PRESS RELEASE
Revitalization of historic castle at Soběslav, Czech Republic
City library infused with medieval flair
Gothic masonry meets contemporary architecture – building on
this concept, the makeover to Castle Rožmberk in the southern
Czech town of Soběslav has given the thirteenth-century
stronghold a new lease of life. Architect Jaromír Kročák tackled
the dual challenge of preserving the original fabric of the castle
ruin while reinterpreting its identity. Commissioned by the local
authorities, the complex revitalization scheme was prompted by
a plan to relocate the civic library inside the majestic castle walls
and reintegrate the hitherto neglected structure into its urban
context. The brief called for the creation of new functional
spaces subject to maximum exploitation of the existing
architectural envelope. Slotted in between the time-honoured
castle walls, the contemporary glass volume housing the library
provides a bold counterpoint, while also offering visitors a taste
of the historic atmosphere.
The new library, with its 35,000 books, takes the form of a glass
box located inside the castle and linking the watchtower remains
with the castle wing on two levels. After decades of exposure to
the elements, the existing timber beams were rotten and had to
be replaced by reinforced-concrete girders. These mostly visible
horizontal members serve both to support the intermediate floor
and to brace the lateral castle facades. The gable roof was also
completely refurbished. It is both physically and structurally
isolated from the glass envelope. The protection and
preservation of the books necessitated the incorporation of an
air-conditioning system to maintain low humidity levels and
uniform temperature control. The fact that the glass volume,
despite its elaborate design, can be removed without any major
intervention in the listed fabric allows the building's ready
With any questions, please contact:
Armstrong · Marketing und Communication · 74321 Bietigheim Bissingen · Germany
Telefon +49 7142 71-384 · Fax +49 7142 71-408
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Telefon +49 711 77918-0 · Fax +49 711 77918-77 · info@seifert-pr.de
PRESS RELEASE
adaptation to any alternative uses required in future.
"The guiding principle behind the revitalization was
transparency," explains architect Kročák. "By adopting a glass
wall and ceiling concept, we aimed to cast the historic masonry
and imposing roof timbers in a new light. At the same time, the
proximity between original fabric and new-build component –
which are only 90-150 cm apart – is unceasingly reminiscent of
a museum visit." In places, the facade is completely exposed,
giving visitors a "hands-on" feel of the castle's history.
The library entrance area, also enclosed by a glass screen,
offers arriving visitors a first intriguing view of the ageing castle
facade. Yet the tradition-steeped castle really comes to life in
the hours of darkness, its charm enhanced by accent lighting. A
stairway at the entrance leads to the castle's mighty watchtower,
the library proper and the sanitary facilities in the basement. The
visitor lift provides barrier-free access to all levels, while a staff
lift at the rear of the castle simplifies the library logistics.
The fascinating spatial impact of the library interior derives from
the material juxtapositions, with fair-faced concrete, glass and
timber set off against the historic stone masonry. The
straightforward, symmetrical layout creates transparency and
organizational clarity. Children's books, young adult literature
and specialist publications all reside in their designated places,
alongside computer terminals with Internet access. Cosy
reading corners invite visitors to browse and linger.
The congenial atmosphere is augmented by the indirect lighting
to the walls and furnishings. The floor covering also blends
harmoniously with the overall concept. The light-brown DLW
Marmorette linoleum by Armstrong underlines the peaceful and
inviting appeal of the interior space. The subtle patterning
unobtrusively echoes the coloration of the rugged castle facade.
With any questions, please contact:
Armstrong · Marketing und Communication · 74321 Bietigheim Bissingen · Germany
Telefon +49 7142 71-384 · Fax +49 7142 71-408
Seifert PR (GPRA) · Zettachring 2a · 70567 Stuttgart · Germany
Telefon +49 711 77918-0 · Fax +49 711 77918-77 · info@seifert-pr.de
PRESS RELEASE
The highly dirt-resistant DLW linoleum is still primarily
manufactured from natural raw materials, is easy to clean, and
provides a highly economical and durable solution.
The high priority given by the architect to longevity and
hardwearing performance prompted the specification of a
linoleum product with high-grade PU modification. Linoleum has
proved highly resistant to daily visitor footfall and even the
heavier duty imposed by wheelchairs and book trolleys.
Further details are available on the Internet at
www.armstrong.de/boden or may be requested by e-mail from
service_germany@armstrong.com
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Project author and general planner of construction:
Ing. arch. Jaromír Kročák
Collaboration:
Up to the stage of document for building permission:
Ing. arch. Jana Rozkopalová
Ing. arch. Petr Hornát
Up to the stage of operational design:
Ing. arch. Václav Čihák
Ing. Tomáš Fuit
Photo captions:
Armstrong_Soběslav_1+1b:
Following a reinterpretation of its historic building fabric, the
Gothic castle now houses a library.
With any questions, please contact:
Armstrong · Marketing und Communication · 74321 Bietigheim Bissingen · Germany
Telefon +49 7142 71-384 · Fax +49 7142 71-408
Seifert PR (GPRA) · Zettachring 2a · 70567 Stuttgart · Germany
Telefon +49 711 77918-0 · Fax +49 711 77918-77 · info@seifert-pr.de
PRESS RELEASE
Armstrong_Soběslav_2:
The glazed entrance area attached to the castle facade links the
historic watchtower with the castle wing.
Armstrong_Soběslav_3:
Reinforced-concrete beams and a new gable roof were
incorporated to support the existing masonry. All structural
additions are visible from inside the glass box.
Armstrong_Soběslav_4:
DLW linoleum by Armstrong is an ideal solution for the library.
Not only is it easy to maintain, it also excels by its hardwearing
performance.
Armstrong_Soběslav_5:
Taking its cue from the colours of the castle facade, the lightbrown DLW Marmorette linoleum blends harmoniously with the
setting.
Armstrong_Soběslav_6:
The castle revitalization scheme features intriguing contrasts
between old and new.
Armstrong_Soběslav_7:
The fully glazed facade of the entrance area provides an
unobstructed view of the old castle tower.
Photos: Aleŝ Motejl / Jaromír Kročák for Armstrong
With any questions, please contact:
Armstrong · Marketing und Communication · 74321 Bietigheim Bissingen · Germany
Telefon +49 7142 71-384 · Fax +49 7142 71-408
Seifert PR (GPRA) · Zettachring 2a · 70567 Stuttgart · Germany
Telefon +49 711 77918-0 · Fax +49 711 77918-77 · info@seifert-pr.de