Ještěd in a Cage 10 - nomination

Concept:
Kladno is a city that is currently searching for its identity once again. From an urban perspective, it is a mosaic of diverse structures that have gradually emerged in response to the needs of a developing industrial town. The historical core of Kladno, which occupies only a very small part of this structure, essentially has a small-town character today. This oldest part of the city has undergone several significant transformations in the past and was even considered for complete demolition twice. The parcel "demolition site," an important component of it, now has very complicated connections, and it is quite difficult to estimate what will happen in its immediate vicinity in the future (the future of the Poldi complex, the use of the bus station).
The parcel, whose surroundings have undergone significant changes since the demolition of the steam mill, in my opinion, is no longer a place for a solitary house, but it still has the potential to become a new focal point for the area. The historical core is currently a very sensitive part of Kladno; it needs to redefine its structure and thereby establish itself as a clear urban unit within the mosaic of the entire city. The basic concept of the house, therefore, is an effort to connect with the atmosphere of the urban core and to support the qualities that the place has but does not fully utilize today. The house is thus divided into several volumes, allowing it to sensitively respond to the complicated and diverse environment. The outer volumes aim to create a corner—a clear edge that completes part of the city and encloses the unfinished block on the neighboring parcel. In contrast, the inner volumes create a play, connecting with the small scale of the historical core, primarily with the atmosphere of a pleasant street beginning at Starosta Pavel Square near the Marian column, whose character is currently deteriorating at the site of Postal Square (this site is also included in the proposal). Part of the atmosphere of the house and the street is also the solution of the infill of the adjacent block, which is very important for transforming the currently neglected area into a quality urban environment.
The solution for the ground floor of the object again connects with the principle of the scale of this part of the city; the volumes of individual houses define three worlds: a garden, a yard, and a "piazzetta." These are spaces with diverse atmospheres and possibilities for use, which creates opportunities for new functions, better sustainability, and control over the entire area (the possibility of closing the garden and the yard at night, etc.). The individual functions/commercial spaces are primarily accessible from the inner part of the ground floor of the object, which supports the concept of highlighting the inner world of the house and the whole structure. The surrounding streets (Gen. Klapálka, Dr. Vrbenského, Hrnčířská) open primarily in the form of glimpses. There is a significant opening of the house at its southeastern corner, in the currently most trafficked spot and near the public transport hub, which is reflected in the solutions for the entrances and functions of the object. The inner world of the street is complemented by the volume of the house extending from the clear boundary of the building line, creating a gateway to the city and simultaneously serving as a counterpoint to the archive building located on the opposite side by Starosta Pavel Square. The entire design thus essentially helps the place to become aware of its identity and tries to offer a solution that allows the house to function naturally, even in close proximity to the newly emerging shopping center.

Description of the building:
The proposed structures have a total of 8 floors—2 underground and 6 above ground. The 2nd basement and the 1st basement house an underground parking lot with a capacity of 85 spaces, necessary facilities for the building, as well as a restaurant and commercial space. Parking is intended for the residents of the house, employees, and surrounding residential buildings (replacement for the capacity of discontinued garages). On the 1st floor, spaces for shops and other functions are designed, their character complementing and utilizing the atmosphere of the ground floor (the design presents an ideal vision for the functioning of the place, including a branch of the city library, a language school, a medical office, and a café with a children's corner). In the upper floors, apartments of various characters are designed, ranging from 46-139 m², some supplemented with terraces, roof gardens, and loggias. A total of 35 apartments are proposed, including 7 duplexes. In the northeastern volume, a public/commercial space is also designed on the 2nd floor, complemented by a terrace; the functions of the ground floor of the northeastern and northwestern volumes can connect and utilize a shared outdoor space. The small volumes completing the adjacent unfinished block can function as small shops in combination with workshops and housing, offering locals a space for starting a business.
The outer volumes are essentially simple edges, corresponding to the layout of the apartments, the distribution of functions, and their material solutions. From inside the "courtyard," there is a rational facade complemented by loggias that reference the atmosphere of the inner part of the house. Other volumes inside are playful and material-soft, featuring duplexes and apartments with roof gardens.
The total built space of the object is 38,767 m³, and the area of commercial spaces is 1,487 m².