Low-rise residential buildings in Brno Řečkovice

FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The goal was to design a new neighborhood on the city's outskirts, prioritizing people’s quality of life. I sought to create a tranquil environment with an emphasis on sustainability, community ties, and diverse housing options. The project also aims to mitigate some of the downsides associated with greenfield development. Designed for various socio-economic groups, it integrates green spaces and blue-green infrastructure, including green roofs and retention ponds, while using sustainable materials.

Project description

Urban design:
The site is located on the outskirts of Brno in a current garden area, a greenfield site with a gentle slope to the north. The development concept is inspired by the "spiral block" approach, as seen in the winning proposal for Špitálka brownfield revitalization. Instead of a single dense block, the site is divided into smaller, more permeable residential structures: three stairwell apartment buildings, one gallery-access building, and one corridor-access building, ensuring a diverse housing offer.
A private green courtyard connects to neighboring gardens, creating continuity with the surrounding urban fabric. Between the buildings, a calm, park-like public space is introduced. Ground-floor commercial spaces open into the park, enhancing the vibrancy of the area.

Architectural design:
I designed a corner apartment building with an L-shaped footprint, that allows natural light into the central staircase. The four-story structure adapts to the sloping terrain, enabling ground-level terraces on the second floor. Part of the building is used for underground parking. The south facade features a rhythmic arrangement of terraces, enhancing transparency and "eyes on the street". The main entrance faces a quiet park, and part of the facade is reserved for a mural (the one used is David Attenborough's message, a courtesy of Tim Marsh). Recessed floors and terraces are highlighted with wooden cladding.

Layout:
The barrier-free apartment building has four floors and contains 16 units with supporting facilities. The ground floor includes the entrance, parking, storage, and one unit with a garden suitable for a disabled person. The second and third floors are dedicated to apartments, each featuring a shared terrace overlooking the park. The top floor is recessed and includes three apartments.

Technical information

The structure combines CLT wall panels, wooden floor beams, and a reinforced concrete core. The coloums in garages are also made out of reinforced concrete. Ceiling spans are 5 and 5,5 meters. Foundations consist of strip footings and pads. Non-load-bearing walls are gypsum board partitions. Dry floating floors are used, roofs are either extensive green or used as a terrace. Acoustic partitions enhance sound insulation. The facade includes a 240 mm mineral wool insulation system. The white plaster facade is accentuated with vertical wooden slats.

Documentation

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