Matěj Bálek

advisor

VSB - Technical university of Ostrava

Czech Republic

Navrhujeme udržitelnou organickou architekturu. Zabýváme se návrhy občanských staveb, ale i… more

A very interesting concept of integrating beer production as a process where waste heat can be used to heat the building itself. The overall architectural organization of the space into production, relaxation, office, and residential zones provides variability and the possibility of connecting different age and professional groups.

From the project, it was unclear whether it was a renovation or a new extension. However, if it is a renovation, it would be a welcome approach, as sustainable architecture is not only about new buildings but also about refurbishing older structures and giving them a new purpose. If demolition is not necessary, every architect should first respect the existing structure and then design accordingly.

The simple shapes of the building and the window arrangement are very similar to the functionalist style or the architectural style of the Baťa era. The concept of a steel structural system is a good idea and allows for flexibility in the internal layout. However, it is important to adhere to a certain grid or spacing for the load-bearing system. From the floor plans, this grid is not very clear, and at times, the building appears to lack a coherent structural system.
A drawback of combining multiple functions is the differing needs of users. In the floors with coworking spaces and studios, sanitary facilities such as restrooms or kitchenettes are missing—at least shared ones per floor. Ideally, each larger studio should have its own facilities to allow for easy rental to the public.
In the upper floors designated for accommodation, I see several issues, such as small sleeping rooms that mostly contain just a bed with no storage space. The long rectangular shape of the rooms results in a lot of unused space. I would recommend reducing the number of sleeping rooms and making them larger and more comfortable.
Placing beds under windows is not ideal—during ventilation in winter, the cold air can be uncomfortable for resting. It would be better to place work desks or small furniture under the windows instead.
The entrances to the apartments lead directly from the hallway without a vestibule, meaning there is no separation between clean and dirty areas. If I want to move from the bedroom to the relaxation area, I have to pass through the hallway where I remove my shoes. Especially in winter, it is practical to have an entryway, at least with a shoe cabinet.
Sanitary spaces are located in the center of the building, making ventilation more difficult. While it is possible to use shafts leading to the roof, natural ventilation through a window would be more effective and would reduce noise transmission through the shafts. I would recommend positioning these rooms closer to the outer walls.

One of the technical issues of this project is the need to address odors and noise from beer production using ventilation and soundproofing systems. Additionally, it is crucial to clearly define emergency exit staircases to prevent congestion of a single escape route in the event of a fire.

The project presentation uses pleasant colors. However, some lighter elements in the floor plans are hard to distinguish, so I would recommend adding labels for rooms and important features. The visualizations are well-executed and clean—I would continue in this style.

Overall, the project has a very strong concept that can contribute not only in the future but also today. I would recommend focusing more on the spatial layout and structural system, as they are an integral part of architecture. The overall impression of the project is positive—keep up the good work!