The modernization of the Hovorčovice school aims for an award for new constructions

Hovorčovice (near Prague) - Modernization of the elementary school in Hovorčovice near Prague, which is competing for an award for new constructions in a historical environment, was, according to the author of the modifications, Ondřej Tuček, conducted with respect for the community. The modifications and extension were carried out with an effort for sensitivity and respect for the local context, said architect Tuček to ČTK. According to him, the school building was one of the last large historical buildings in the community. The village has been significantly influenced by post-revolutionary development construction, and the builders thus tried to preserve as much historical heritage as possible during the modernization of the school.

The construction modifications and extension of the Hovorčovice school are nominated for the Club for Old Prague Award for the best new construction in a historical environment. The results will be announced by the organizers this evening. A total of six non-Prague buildings are competing for the award.

The renovated Hovorčovice school started functioning in September 2015. It serves for the education of the first grade and has a capacity of about 150 students. In recent years, there has been a lack of elementary school capacity in the village and its surroundings. For the construction and modernization of the school, which cost a total of 24 million crowns, the municipality received a state grant that covered more than half of the costs. "It was a kind of small miracle that we managed to secure funding, that we managed to keep the budget in check and also to complete everything within a reasonable timeframe, which was very tight," the architect stated.

The school was founded in 1953 in a building from the 19th century and operated until 2000. It was then closed due to a lack of students. The modernization and expansion of the school began in 2014; the building had previously served as a storage facility and was in poor technical condition. Several extensions were demolished, while a new extension building was added, which includes classrooms, a cafeteria, a library, a staff room, and facilities. There is also a playground and a garden near the school.

The municipality is now building another school building outside this complex, which is set to start functioning this September. Afterwards, the school's capacity will increase to 340 students, and gradually, classes for the second grade will also begin. In this case, the municipality is also collaborating with architect Tuček.

Hovorčovice now has approximately 2,300 inhabitants. The number of permanently registered people in the municipality has increased by two and a half times since 2000.