Shared housing at Kolpingplatz square

On the slope above the historic center of Břežnice, on Kolpingplatz square, there is the Catholic Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Nearby lies the Kolpinghaus assisted living facility, where people facing difficult life situations can seek refuge and get back on their own feet. The northern corner of the square is complemented by a free-standing semi-detached house, whose timber-framed gable bears the year 1611. During construction surveys, foundations dating back to the mid-15th century were uncovered. The historic house opposite the church is also referred to as Mesnerhaus or Guggerhaus and rightly ranks among the oldest monument-protected buildings in Břežnice. Despite its uniqueness, the building deteriorated for a long time. It only underwent complete reconstruction last year. The project was created by the local studio Wimmer-Armellini, which also expanded the complex and added a contemporary structure of exposed concrete. Currently, the assisted living facility offers eleven small residential units with usable areas ranging from 30 to 50 m², complemented by a shared multipurpose space and a guest room. The historic building benefits from its proximity to the main Kolpinghaus building, which features a spacious dining room, a capacity kitchen, a nursing room, and additional facilities. Although this is a cramped complex of small buildings located on a slope, all rooms are wheelchair accessible after the renovation. The architects had the opportunity to detail the building down to the last detail, creating a dialogue between the historic heritage and new elements from the basement to the attic. Among the initiating elements is a long bench with a fountain, which has newly emerged in front of the timber-framed houses facing the square.