Urban design:
The site is located on the outskirts of Brno in a current garden area, a greenfield site with a gentle slope to the north. The development concept is inspired by the "spiral block" approach, as seen in the winning proposal for Špitálka brownfield revitalization. Instead of a single dense block, the site is divided into smaller, more permeable residential structures: three stairwell apartment buildings, one gallery-access building, and one corridor-access building, ensuring a diverse housing offer.
A private green courtyard connects to neighboring gardens, creating continuity with the surrounding urban fabric. Between the buildings, a calm, park-like public space is introduced. Ground-floor commercial spaces open into the park, enhancing the vibrancy of the area.
Architectural design:
I designed a corner apartment building with an L-shaped footprint, that allows natural light into the central staircase. The four-story structure adapts to the sloping terrain, enabling ground-level terraces on the second floor. Part of the building is used for underground parking. The south facade features a rhythmic arrangement of terraces, enhancing transparency and "eyes on the street". The main entrance faces a quiet park, and part of the facade is reserved for a mural (the one used is David Attenborough's message, a courtesy of Tim Marsh). Recessed floors and terraces are highlighted with wooden cladding.
Layout:
The barrier-free apartment building has four floors and contains 16 units with supporting facilities. The ground floor includes the entrance, parking, storage, and one unit with a garden suitable for a disabled person. The second and third floors are dedicated to apartments, each featuring a shared terrace overlooking the park. The top floor is recessed and includes three apartments.