he design of the entire site is therefore derived from its central defining element, the barracks building, which is currently enclosed by fencing and secondary structures that prevent it from fully standing out. The new development scheme should create a counterbalance to the mass of the barracks building. The robustness, fortress-like character and visual unity of the existing building should also be reflected in the new development. We therefore propose a freestanding, monolithic volume without breaks, passages or throughways. Ideally, this volume would have the same length as the barracks block; however, this cannot realistically be achieved due to the existing property ownership arrangements within the site. The proposed building height is five above-ground storeys.

The building envelope, inspired by the fortification system, is designed as a facing wall of exposed brickwork. Brick is the principal material characteristic of Olomouc’s Baroque fortification architecture. The brick facing allows for numerous variations in masonry bonds and the creation of distinctive architectural details. The windows are conceived as aluminium units positioned flush with the outer face of the brickwork, emphasizing the building’s contemporary architectural character. On the southern side, the building opens towards the historic city centre, with its principal living spaces oriented in this direction. These spaces are complemented by a system of balconies/loggias, designed as a robust, modern steel structure with an exposed, technical character.