Místo: Litovel, Czech Republic
Klient: Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic

Within the framework of The Sluňákov - Center for Ecological Activities project, the former grove Šargoun with its garden and barn has been transformed into an info centre of the Litovel Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area (PLA/CHKO) and is the second gateway to the valuable natural area of the floodplain forest, which is unique in Central Europe in its extent. The building uses local traditional technologies and combines them with the requirement of low-energy and sustainable construction in a landscape with a strong genius loci. Visually and in scale it matches a traditional farmhouse on the edge of the floodplain forest, including a landscaped garden and a restored barn. In addition to the PLA info centre with multimedia equipment, it contains an interactive beekeeping exhibition with garden and orchard, which also presents traditional farming in local conditions. The info centre and the barn are used by Litovel schools.

The building is elevated above the level of potential flooding. The height difference is compensated by a wooden ramp, which creates an entrance terrace, suitable for seating. The building is simple in form and also adheres to traditional cornices. The articulation of the windows is generous and expresses the public function of the building. The largest room on the ground floor has been adapted as a beekeeping exhibition. The elements are not digital, but instead require physical activity (e.g. a table with a sound structure, a bee dance on the floor). The second room, on the other hand, is digitally based and allows for use as a classroom. The attic is an open space with the possibility of exhibitions. The building has an entrance extension with reception and technology that matches the internal functional layout and softens the scale of the house. The main mass of the building has internal and external clay plaster, reflecting local tradition. The structure of the building is wooden. This demonstrates sustainable construction, meets the requirement for low energy and responds to the use pattern. The entrance extension is clad in timber. In addition to the high quality hemp insulation of the building, the technology includes a solar collector and a fireplace with a hot water heat exchanger.

Project: 2009-2011
Implementation: 2012 - 2014
Total solved area: 3 817 m2
Paved area: 205 m2

Author: Roman Brychta, Adam Halíř, Ondřej Hofmeister, Petr Lešek
Co-author: Tomáš Bouma

Orchard landscaping: Zdeněk Sendler
Exposition on beekeeping: Robert Smolík
Artworks: Miloslav Fekar, Robert Smolík
Fotographer: Andrea Thiel Lhotáková, Miloslav Fekar