The Czech Architecture Award was given to a kindergarten with a translucent facade

Prague – The main winners of the Czech Architecture Award are Petr Stolín and Alena Mičeková, whose design was used for the construction of a kindergarten in Nová Ruda on the outskirts of Liberec. They designed an unusual building covered as if by a veil of fiberglass. The jury stated that they were impressed by the "simplicity and restraint of the kindergarten's layout, as well as the use of means that allowed the architects to realize a project providing a comprehensive spatial experience."

The awards for the fourth edition of the competitive exhibition of the Czech Chamber of Architects were presented today at Forum Karlín. In the final, the jury selected from six buildings, which emerged from 34 nominated works. A total of 186 projects completed in the last five years competed for the award this year.

The award for exceptional achievement went to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague for its contribution to architecture and visual arts. "The entire DOX complex can be considered an example of quality contemporary Czech architecture – from the conversion of the former Holešovice factory according to the design by Ivan Kroupa, through the wooden airship Gulliver by authors Martin Rajniš and Leoš Valka, to the multifunctional hall designed by the architectural studio Petr Hájek Architekti," stated the Academy of the Czech Architecture Award, which awards this honor within the competition.

The recently completed DOX+ multifunctional hall also received one of the five honorary awards as a Finalist for the Czech Architecture Award 2019. The jury also praised the renovation of the pub with a hall in Máslovice by Atelier Bod Architekti – the architectural solution is, according to the jurors, "balanced, clear, and modest in all respects." The renovation also received an award for promoting quality construction through architectural competitions.

Also in the final was a concrete footbridge over the Dřetovický stream in Vrapice near Kladno and two rural works. A recreational cottage by the pond near Vyklantice is inspired by traditional fishermen's huts, where the architects created "a space perfectly suited to the basic physical and spiritual needs of man," according to the jury. In the restoration of the homestead in Manešovice, the architects complemented the original yard with two buildings by adding a third – a guesthouse for accommodation.