New church in the Brno-Lesná housing estate by Atelier Štěpán

The Roman Catholic parish in the Brno housing estate of Lesná plans to start the construction of a new church on Nezvalova Street next year. It has a completed project and is waiting for a change in the zoning decision and the granting of a building permit. The church, designed by architect Marek Štěpán, who has repeatedly worked on sacred buildings, features a circular floor plan and a separate bell tower. It will accommodate 400 people.


The parish has collected money for several years among the faithful—literally in pennies, which it received from people while withdrawing small coins from circulation. Over the years, more than 50,000 people contributed various amounts. So far, about 50 million crowns have been gathered, said Pastor Pavel Hověz. The estimated construction costs will be approximately half higher, so fundraising continues. A precise budget is not yet available. The parish is prepared to take out a loan if necessary.
The architect aimed for an expressively simple and readable building with a moderate interior in the project. "We have so much available information, visual and other stimuli, that attack us from all sides, that the space of the church should be a space of tranquility, a space without this visual smog," said Štěpán. He chose visible concrete as the building material, combined with colored glazing, due to the surrounding housing estate. Under the roof, there is a large circular window around the entire perimeter.





The 31-meter-high tower will stand separately. At its top, the architect placed a lookout and a carillon. Parishioners requested a church that is mindful of the environment. Therefore, a heat pump will be used for heating, and solar collectors on the roof are also being considered.
In Lesná, discussions about the church have been ongoing since the late 1960s. "I remember that civic amenities were lacking there. The spiritual base was completely missing," said witness Václav Benda. In 2004, as the first step on the way to a fully-fledged temple, the Spiritual Center of P. Martin Středa and Blessed Marie Restituta opened. The new church, located in close proximity to the center, will be dedicated by the church to the nun Restituta, a Brno native who was executed by the Nazis.


After 1989, 13 new churches and 39 chapels were established in the Brno diocese, as well as a convent of Clarisses in Soběšice and three spiritual centers. The bishopric does not decide on new buildings from the top down. "Churches and chapels are built in places where there is a long-term need from the local believers," said the bishop's delegate for liturgy and culture, Jan Mráz. Churches are being prepared in the housing estates of Líšeň and Kohoutovice.