Prchalův mlýn Tuchoměřice

An important quality of the location is its natural setting in the landscape. This study aims to further develop the mentioned potential, it proposes to support traditional elements such as earthen paths with rows of trees, or orchards, connections to local footpaths, etc. The goal is to create an understandable interface that supports the rural character of the settlement and the biodiversity of the landscape.

The last current state of the area that we know of consists of a burned-out mill building, a villa in a dilapidated state with a garden facing the street, next to it an unmaintained low-rise house and a dilapidated warehouse. These four buildings form the pleasant space of a piazzetta, which, thanks to its proportions, could easily become a very pleasant public space, closing the slope on the west side and joining the main street that runs through the village on the east side.

The main entrance to the area is from the main street in Kneživka. There is a newly designed parking lot at the entrance to the complex, which connects to the renovated courtyard of the villa and is close to the renovated bus stop.

In view of the fire that visibly damaged the main building of the mill, demolition is necessary and recommended. The goal of the study was to find a new, suitable footprint and appearance of the main building, in relation to the existing conditions and requirements of the municipality. We work with the new building as a fundamental and central element in creating the identity of this location. We follow the position of the burned-out mill building and close the square area more with the new floor plan footprint.

The basic elements of the new construction of the main mill building are two gabled clay walls. These are produced on site using local soil obtained during excavation work, which will then be processed and compacted on site. The size and appearance of the walls refer to the original gabled walls of the burnt mill. Together with the gable roof and concrete plinth, they form a frame in which the light wooden structure of the facade is placed. The supporting structure is a combination of reinforced concrete and wooden elements. The austere grid of solid wooden columns with footings and openings between them emphasizes the verticality of the building taken from the original mill building. The entrance to the building is highlighted by a simple concrete portal.

As part of the construction and implementation of garden and landscaping elements, maximum use of original materials and soil is considered to support the so-called circular construction. As part of the demolition, we propose the preservation and renovation of typical elements of the original mill, such as window profiles, cast iron columns, etc. We recommend recycling bricks and using them as part of landscaping, orchards and gardens as a drainage and retention layer. Brick flour is also suitable for making a clay surface. Using a similar approach, marl aggregate can be preserved, used as recycled aggregate or outdoors as landscape elements in landscaping.

The western border of the site is formed by a vast green slope, which is arranged in height into different levels and functional areas. We perceive this slope as a quality that we want to support and interweave with different moments and spaces along the new footpath. Each of these spaces is different, but they are all connected by one paved path that is connected to the stream and circular path. This journey and its route offers a personal experience designed to stimulate curiosity, imagination and sensual experience. We are trying to understand and express our current relationship with nature, landscape and historical significance in the context of the locality.

We propose to place a community center in the new building on the site of the current Prchal's mill. The object's rich program content is focused on several functions. These are mainly cultural, educational, social and recreational functions, which complement each other.

A restaurant with a brewery and a small community hall on the ground floor of the new mill building have the potential to become a popular destination not only for the residents of Tuchoměřice. These attractive operations are oriented towards the courtyard. The orientation towards the south side is thus used, while the operating facilities of all the above-mentioned operations are located with an orientation to the surrounding terrain.

The villa also belongs to the area. In addition to the entrance from the courtyard, we also maintain the entrance from the adjacent garden. The latter can help revive the space between the villa building and the main street. Thanks to its position, the villa can function completely independently and independently of the community center. According to the specifications, we are modifying the house into a facility for medical services.

We suggest renovating the house next to the villa. We consider it important to preserve it for identification with the place. We suggest maintaining the mass, adjusting the openings to a larger format and replacing the door with glazing. We propose to place the post office on the ground floor.

In the place of the dilapidated warehouse in the southern part of the area by the stream, we are defining a position for a new large multi-purpose social hall. The building of the hall closes the courtyard - the piazzetta of the new Steam Mill area. This is one of the most important spaces in the community center, in which larger events and meetings of the citizens of the village and people from the wider area will be held.