Conversion of the repository of the National Theatre in Prague

AVU

Project idea

This proposal aims to show modernised use of the repository of the National Theatre in Prague and its transformation into a polyfunctional building with lofts and family apartments and additional public services. The proposal innovatively reconstructs the space for its reestablished function, while the appearance of the outer facade will remain unaffected.
Currently, this building lost its significance due to unmet conditions of usage and ineffective operation. It is very likely that the building of the scene dock will decay and the building along with its surroundings will lose any meaning. The project aims to safe the building and restores it in regard to the original structure and its environment.

Project description

The neo-renaissance building of the repository of the National Theatre from 1900 (designed by architect Karel Skopec) is located near Apolinářská Alley in Albertov neighbourhood in Prague. The conversion maintains the main southern facade lining the building along with the Apolinářská Alley while enlarging the openings in the facade, especially the arched windows that will provide light for the two-storey lofts.
The conversion will remove part of the northern facade, which was added to the original building after the 1945 bombing of Prague. The new northern facade will coincide with the Botanical gardens. Its appearance is inspired by the greenhouses and their subtle construction. The effect will be achieved by hanging the facade on the new steel roof construction using ropes, which will also preserve the original perimeter walls of the lower floor.
The crucial part is the abolition of the initial concrete skeleton, unsuitable for the new function of the building and the changes of the interior layout of the building. The new steel skeleton will allow for the newly built central residential hallway with a skylight from where the individual apartments will be accessible. The newly built walls will separate the individual apartments and therefore offer space for their variability.
Part of the conversion of the present building of the scene dock is the proposal of urban and landscape solution of the building's ambient. The originally strictly defined Apolinářská Alley will open up thanks to the proposed changes and will reconnect with its surroundings.
On the western side will be built a terrace by removing a part of the original wall of the Botanical gardens and with some additional landscaping. This will create an entrance space for communal ground floor with a coffee shop, the main entrance for the office space and the new entrance to the Botanical gardens.
The petite northern garden accessible from the terrace will primarily function for the residents as a recreational space. At the same time, however, it offers commodious space for social events directly in the foyer of the gallery.
The difficult landscape of the Apolinářská Alley will be dealt with by creating a slightly embedded sidewalk, which various levels are altered with terraces and stairs.
On the eastern side, by removing a small building, will be built an entrance that opens up the northern terrace functioning as a parking space for the residents and at the same time, it will be the main entrance to the central residential hallway of the building.

Technical information

The original concrete skeleton unsuitable for the renewed usage is replaced with a steel frame. This allows the original peripheral walls to remain unchanged, creates space for new apartments and for central residential hallway with a skylight from where the individual apartments will be accessible. The newly built masonry walls separate the individual apartments and therefore offer space for their variability. At the same time, masonry walls will provide acoustic and fireproof isolation of the apartments.
The steel skeleton also allows the new northern facade to be developed, hanging onto the steel roof construction, which will also result in preserving the original perimeter walls of the lower floor.

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