Vlnena
Brno
Vlnena is situated in the Czech Republic near Brno. CTP developed this former brownfield into a large mixed use office and housing area consisting of multiple office buildings, a large underground parking garage, apartments and a cultural and recreational area.
This redevelopment of a brown field, a former wool factory, is situated next to the central station and close to the city centre of Brno; with a view towards the city's historical church. Most of the industrial buildings are demolished, being unsuitable for transformation. Some characteristic buildings are retained: the palace-like building is restored and the former boiler house and chimney are at present the centre for cultural and recreational activities.
In front of the palace a garden is laid out, with remnants of traditional elements relating to the historic building. The planting is focusing on fruit, herbs and vegetables that are used in the adjoining restaurant. The garden also provides elegant outdoor seating for the restaurant.
![01_Vlnena-Bruno 01_Vlnena-Bruno](https://www.baljon.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/01_Vlnena-Bruno.jpg)
![06_Vlnena-Bruno The palace-like building](https://www.baljon.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/06_Vlnena-Bruno.jpg)
The concept, is dividing the location into several subareas, each with individual inspiration, function and character. This introduces a scale to the super block that is more in line with an urban fabric. This concept creates opportunities for anchoring the site in the context and develop a mixed use, resulting in a lively neighbourhood.
The front square is linked to the main road, and forms more or less the entrance area, leading up to the central esplanade. The square is gently sloping upwards, leading the pedestrians from street level to the building entrances. On both sides of the square, buildings are placed on plateaus, making it necessary to create two stairs, that gently disappear in the slope as the square rises upwards. The square is covered with gravel. In grid structures, pines are placed directly in the gravel. It is an inviting space and forms the filter to the core of the office area: the esplanade.
![15_Vlnena-Bruno Concept subareas](https://www.baljon.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/15_Vlnena-Bruno.jpg)
All the buildings have their front entrance on the esplanade. Because of the underground carpark, areas with vegetation have to be lifted to allow for sufficient soil coverage. The concrete stone edges are at a comfortable height to function as seats. A criss-cross pattern divides the green area of the esplanade. This creates possibilities to get in close contact with the rich plantings, provides ample seating, and make direct routes between the buildings. The planting consists of colourful perennials and ornamental grasses, multi stemmed trees and some patches of lawn.
Along the Prizova street, between the plateau of the offices and the street parking, a narrow band of green. Tall, but slender trees create substantial green. Strips of ornamental grasses help to manage the rainwater, as it can infiltrate and buffered here.
Along the Mlynska road the trees are situated between sidewalk and the road, protecting the pedestrians from the traffic. The large sized trees complements the buildings. The area has the same storm water function.
The park in the southern end is still to be constructed in combination with the residential development. There is a chance that the city will claim a strip for a new road. The park, will be planted with willows, poplars, oaks and elms. The ground covered by tall, rural grass. An important function of the area is the water retention. The artificial pond is a constant water element with room for approximately 750 m3 of water. When the water level rises, the water infiltrates and flows to the wadi constructed beside the existing stream. From here the water can easily infiltrate in the ground.
Locatie Brno Google Maps
Opdrachtgever CTP
Status uitgevoerd