After church authorities agreed with the Vřesovice municipal government to transfer diocesan properties into public ownership, the goal was to make full use of these buildings. Since 2013, the main diocesan building has served as a teaching facility for the local elementary school. Two years later, a daycare center with a kitchen and dining area was established on the ground floor of the two wing buildings. Our task is to convert another section of the complex into two standard classrooms and two vocational classrooms.
The original sports hall, adjacent to the Baroque-style building, has been renovated into a modern gymnasium with two activity rooms. Currently, the project awaits subsidy funding. The renovation aims to expand the school’s capacity, preserve the rapidly deteriorating roof trusses of the Baroque complex, and improve the condition of its internal courtyard.
The entire complex is being developed gradually, with each section serving distinct functions and protected under varying conditions. Reconstruction will proceed step-by-step, based on municipal needs, financial availability, and the condition of each area. This operational and technical diversity forms the foundation for the logical progression of the renovation projects.
This project highlights the connections between different parts of the complex to preserve its historical significance while ensuring school and daycare users have confident access to all areas. The historic and modern buildings are designed to intertwine yet remain visually distinct.
The historic structure features classic plaster facades, red solid roofs, and copper plumbing details, while the new building is characterized by a simple cubic form, smooth surfaces, and unique colors. The previously separated buildings are now linked more prominently, adding vibrancy to the architectural ensemble and creating new opportunities for movement and interaction.
Children can freely choose their preferred entrance and color-coded path to enter the school, enhancing their sense of independence and engagement.
The project further strengthens the connection between existing classrooms in the original teaching building and the newly added ones. Historically, the school’s service facilities were on the first floor of the parish, while the daycare center occupied the first floor of the two wings. To address this, the main school facilities are now located on the second floor. This not only helps protect the valuable Baroque roof but also makes better use of the complex’s location on the church slope.
The new classrooms feature a spacious terrace with a lawn, where students can enjoy beautiful views of St. Peter and Paul Church during lessons.
This renovation breathes new life into the grand Baroque architectural complex. Despite its national cultural heritage status, the project embraces a confident and sensitive approach of full modernization.
Due to the functional limitations of historic buildings for educational use, new architectural elements enhance usability for children and teachers while transforming the school experience into a spatial one. Play and free activity moments have become vital, emphasizing open spaces where children can move freely and create their own rules, relaxing the strict order and commands.
Design Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram AA
△ Section Diagram BB
△ Section Diagram CC
Project Information
Project Type: Primary and Junior High School
Location: Vřesovice, Czech Republic
Architect: Fuuze, Public Atelier
Area: 950 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: BoysPlayNice
Manufacturers: Climax, Forbo, KLINKER, Kospo, Manus, Novatronic, Roca, Velux, Wienerberger
Engineer: Dana Opletalová
Outdoor Renovation: Vendula Markovičová
Graphic Design: Radim Lisa & Marie Štindlová
Client: The Municipality of Vřesovice
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