Architecture studios: Atelier-r

Main sponsor: Olomouc Region

Year completed: 2020

Materials: stone, brick, Corten steel, glass, concrete

Total area: 2 500m2

Prizes:

• Czech Architecture Award 2021
• International Dezeen Award in the category Rebirth project

City / regional background

Helfštýn, the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle, was built in the last quarter of the 13. century above the Moravian Gate valley.

Known for its impressive and well-preserved medieval architecture Helfštýn Castle features a large courtyard, fortified walls, towers and a Gothic chapel. The castle has been modified and expanded over the centuries, reflecting different architectural styles. It is situated in a picturesque natural setting, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The castle underwent significant renovations and restoration works in the 19. and 20. centuries. However, in 2014, the castle closed to the public due to severe safety hazards, such as falling masonry elements.

The Olomouc Region, which owns the castle, decided to undertake major renovation works in collaboration with the operator of the castle and the National Heritage Institute.

Solution

The Olomouc Region and the National Heritage Institute agreed to supplement the conservation and renovation works with contemporary architectural interventions, in an effort to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the place and improve the visitor experience.

New pathways were created through existing gaps in the ruins, connecting the ground floor with the higher levels of the castle.

While the contemporary architectural additions are immediately recognisable because of the materials used, they complement the character of the historical structure very well.

Three types of materials were used, one for each level of the building. The roofing is made of glass on steel beams; the staircases and footbridges are made of Corten steel (a special iron alloy that undergoes a controlled corrosion, which gradually stabilizes); and the ground floor paths are made of polished concrete.

The National Heritage Institute insisted on the preservation of the castle’s authentic character. The new roof that was added could not increase the volume of the structure and could only go as high as the level of the peripheral walls.

The design project was based on a 3D modelling of the castle, from thousands of photographs taken from a drone, which allowed to best plan the new architectural interventions.

Criteria for high-quality (context, sense of place, diversity, beauty)

The architectural concept rested on the respect of the historical features of the building. The project was discussed and negotiated with conservation experts.

The addition of a glass roof was done without increasing the volume of the building. The contemporary additions to the structure fit within the building and are hardly visible from the outside. The mass of the castle and its effect on the landscape did not change in any way.

The renovated castle attracts visitors who are interested in both medieval and contemporary architecture. A satisfaction survey found that 95% of visitors liked the reconstruction and the castle has seen an increase in visitors since reopening. The castle’s Knight's Hall hosts cultural events, theatre performances, concerts, as well as weddings and other social events.

The new structures act as a counterpoint to the old walls. They make it possible to access new places in the castle and open on new views on the surrounding valley. Visitors can now better perceive and understand the cultural value of the place.

Planning and management

The renovation and construction works were overseen by representatives of

• the Olomouc Region
• the Ministry of Regional Development
• the National Heritage Institute
• the Museum Komenského, representing the users of the castle
• Atelier-r, the architectural office

The preparatory phase of the project required the most human resources: up to 9 people in the architectural office, up to 5 for the investors (Olomouc Region and Ministry), up to 3 people for the Museum.

Budget and financing

The total budget for the project amounts €3 88 millions, funded as follows

• 53% by the EU, through the European Regional Development Fund
• 41% by Olomouc Region,
• 6% by the Czech State

Transferable ideas

• Think how, through smart renovation, you can increase the social, environmental and economic value of your heritage sites, while at the same time enhancing their cultural significance.
• Consider the social, cultural, environmental and economic needs of the local community. In so doing, your built heritage can be integrated in a meaningful and creative way into contemporary society and thereby be preserved in a sustainable way for future generations.
• Support a dialogue between experts to strike a balance between heritage elements and new interventions, so that the latter can be intelligently integrated into future uses, through a sensible and meaningful weighing of interests.