Zevo

Year2023

CategoryCivic Amenities, Competition

LocationČeské Budějovice

StatusDesign

The České Budějovice heating plant faces a fundamental transformation linked to the transition to a more environmentally friendly approach to waste management and the modernisation of its energy infrastructure. By 2029 at the latest, a new energy-from-waste facility (ZEVO) is due to be built here, becoming one of the key elements in the further development of the site.

ZEVO Vráto therefore launched a competition workshop focused on the future form of the České Budějovice Energy Park. The brief was not limited to the architectural design of the technological building itself, but considered the entire site in its wider urban and landscape context.

The competition was divided into three parts. The first dealt with the design of the building envelope of the ZEVO facility itself and the search for a way to integrate this technologically demanding building sensitively into its surroundings. The second part focused on an ideas-level vision for the future use of the entire site and its gradual transformation into a functional and legible whole in the long term. The third part addressed the relationship of the new energy operation to the surrounding landscape and the possibilities for its further development.

The aim was therefore not merely to design a new operational building, but to create a vision for the wider transformation of the area, in which energy infrastructure, architecture and landscape become part of a single interconnected whole.

Client	ZEVO Vráto, a.s.
Design team	Martin Krupauer

Not Destruction, but Evolution

We approach the existing heating plant site sensitively and sustainably. We propose to preserve most of the existing buildings, structures and equipment and to fill them with new life, both on the site and beyond.

We propose transforming the part with the old boiler house into a FabLab, a multifunctional centre for meeting, education, technology, research, work and entertainment. The place will thus open up to people, come alive and connect with local partners and the community.

Housing and New Life on the Site

In the north-eastern corner of the site, we place student halls of residence for VŠTE ČB. Structurally, this is utilitarian modular construction that can be built in phases.

The connection with the scientific and community facilities of the FabLab will bring mutual synergy and year-round life to the site.

A Green Grid as the Connecting Element

The unifying element is a green grid of trees that ties the whole site together. The 8 × 8 m grid is inspired by the main square of České Budějovice.

An attractive public space with areas for relaxation and leisure is directly connected to a landscape trail leading from the centre of Vráto all the way to VŠTE.