Extension of the primary school Řevnice

The Řevnice Primary School complex is the result of a decades-long process. The newest element aims to complete the school block in a dignified way, respecting the existing built heritage and filling in the currently missing functions and educational spaces. The 'third sibling' is characterized by its two­faced nature. The new element, which continues the character of the existing buildings, presents a rationally structured face on the external contours of the complex, concealing a compact pian. Toward the inner sheltered garden, this strict spatial structure gradually loosens up and ends in a porch area that functions as a covered open space. The new element, through its intense garden connection, is woven into the garden, and the covered open spaces create places of communal interaction and encounter for students from all three blocks.

The proposal elegantly addresses several design issues outlined in the competition brief and effectively integrates the garden and adjacent public spaces, that’s why the jury awarded it with the first prize. The arrival sequence is well‐planned, considering the connection to the existing school building and placing the auditorium near the new entrance. The circulation design allows for breakout spaces outside the classroom, promoting learning beyond traditional settings. The inclusion of external balconies provides additional outdoor learning spaces, which are highly desirable in the post‐Covid environment. Nevertheless, a budget and technical assessment should be conducted to address potential overheating caused by the east‐facing classrooms.

The new pavilion is located in the eastern part of the school area along Legií Street, at a distance from the boundary of the plot. The mass of the pavilion, in the shape of a cube, is divided by generous window openings, in line with the structural grid of the building. The setback of the third floor towards the corner of Boženy Němcové and Legií Streets is considered an important element due to the height of the surrounding buildings. The only purely four-story facade is oriented toward the garden, in response to the scale of the northern facade of the historic school building. The space in front of the new pavilion with the main en¬trance is „wedged“ between the historic building, the new pavilion, and two mature lime trees. The internal spaces of the school are clearly arranged around the central atrium, illuminated by a skylight, on the above-ground floors. We perceive the importance of the atrium primarily in the connection of all common spaces and in the illumination of the central part of the pavilion. The basement houses a dining hall with access to an outdoor terrace and a kitchen accessible for supply from the car park for cars. We connect the historic school building with the new pavilion with an under¬ground neck at the level of the 1st basement floor of the new pavilion.

The design proposal received positive recognition from the jury for its compactness, appropriate scale, and efficient floorplan, and was therefore awarded a second prize. Moreover, the project was commended for its careful adherence to the given budget. The positioning of the building demonstrated respect for the existing context and surrounding structures, while the volume of the building harmoniously adapted to the slope of Legií Street, as did the well‐designed facades. The access points and logistical considerations were effectively resolved, and a noteworthy aspect was the seamless continuity of space between the kitchen, canteen, and terrace.

The new pavilion of the Řevnická School is, above all a sensitive addition to the urban structure of the block, which respects the existing layout of spaces and buildings, including significant trees. The pavilion offers sufficient capacity for the entire second grade, the cafeteria, and the school administration. The large capacity is masked by "breaking" the building into two stepped volumes that respect the slope by offsetting each other. The two buildings define and embrace the inner courtyard, creating a safe place around the oak tree in the heart of the school grounds. The compactness of the layout was necessary not only because of the anticipated investment costs but also given avoiding unnecessarily long routes throughout the complex. The façade is designed sparingly, the contrast of the rust-colored plaster against the light grey of the old building loosely referencing the color scheme of the Korza pod Lipami complex, also in Řevnice. The smaller window openings were chosen for environmental reasons. Reasons and also to approach the scale of the surrounding buildings. Details such as perforated partitions, cornices, and lining contribute to the unique expression of the building.

The designed entrance area is pleasant and cozy at the same time, the connection between the auditorium, library, and reading room is elegant and well-made. The overall layout of the building is clear and well thought out, and the jury believes that this solution deserves the third prize. Great emphasis was placed on respecting the surrounding context, which is reflected in the harmony with the natural atmosphere and the preservation of the surrounding garden. The well‐proportioned kitchen area and the spacious dining room for the elderly are other positive aspects of the project. We also appreciate the security features that allow the windows to be opened during classes, which brings the necessary ventilation and a pleasant environment for the students.

A contextualized school, maximizes the potential of the quality of the surrounding environment, which supports the diverse character and strong spatial concept of the interior. Just as a modern school should encourage diversity and teach adaptability. The new building concept demonstrates a relationship with our environment, nature, and overall sustainability, as well as understanding the need for modern education and creating conditions for individuality, creativity, and collaboration.

A special award is given for the partial environmental strategy of the proposal. The orientation of the pavilion works well with the adjacent courtyard and garden surroundings and the judges highlight the shared spaces in front of the classrooms.

We propose a clear, compact, and economical complex with the possibility of further development on the school property. We are expanding the existing building with the help of a closely connected extension, uniting it with the existing building in terms of volume and architecture. We connect the operation of the school in the extension to the existing building as smoothly as possible. We are creating one operating unit. We are keeping the existing main entrance and locating the publicly accessible functions in the building as close as possible to the main entrance. With maximum compactness, we achieve an ecological design.

The special prize is awarded for a partial novel idea of an extension that stands out among all nineteen proposals. The solution manages to integrate the operation of the existing building with the extension into a single functional unit, thus underlining the community atmosphere of the current school. The design confirms the central location of the entrance in relation to the whole site.