Helfštýn Castle: Resurrecting a 14th Century Gem
Immerse yourself in the majesty of the past, thoughtfully intertwined with the sensibilities of modern design at Helfštýn Castle. Located in Týn nad Bečvou, Czech Republic, this prominent castle rests loftily above the Moravian Gate valley. Atelier-R masterfully blended medieval aesthetics with practical, contemporary architecture in 2020, unveiling a new layer of allure in this 14th-century gem.
The innovative renovation, marked by glass roofing, corten footbridges, and polished concrete paths, showcases a breathtaking balance of past and present, resonating with the castle’s iron craftsmanship tradition.
About Helfštýn Castle
Heritage Reimagined
Perched atop the Moravian Gate valley, Helfštýn Castle proudly stands as the Czech Republic’s second-largest complex, following Prague Castle. This 14th-century architectural marvel encountered a roadblock in 2014, when its Renaissance palace ruins shuttered due to severe safety issues like crumbling masonry.
Restoration and Innovation
The castle owner, Olomouc Region, primarily sought to renovate the palace and construct a new roof. However, the National Heritage Institute championed the preservation of the building as a ruin. They allowed a partial roof only as high as the surrounding walls.
Uniquely, project planning leveraged a 3D model, mapped through thousands of drone-captured photos, highlighting all plaster and masonry modifications.
Bringing Helfštýn Castle back to life
Our aspiration stretched beyond a simple technical restoration. We intended to pair the historic edifice with modern architecture, focusing on practicality while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
To submerge visitors in the palace’s historical evolution, we weaved new sightseeing routes into existing gaps in the ruins. This innovative approach linked the ground floor with previously inaccessible upper levels.
A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
Modern elements mesh seamlessly with the castle’s historical construction. The design incorporates three essential materials at each level: glass on steel beams for the roof, corten steel for staircases and footbridges, and polished concrete for ground floor paths.
Inspired by the Sky: The Glass Roof
We nestled flat glass roofs between the ruin walls, drawing inspiration from the open sky. This choice floods the palace interior with optimal daylight. Opting for sanded glass, we found a maintenance-friendly solution that diffuses light beautifully, accentuating palace exhibitions. However, we made an exception for the chapel roof, where clear glass symbolizes a literal slice of heaven.
Roofs adorn five select chambers, with corten footbridges providing cover for staircases. We deliberately left some spaces uncovered, accentuating the ruins’ grandeur and inviting visitors to gaze skyward.
Corten Footbridges: A New Perspective
Transforming the erstwhile roof into a sightseeing route, we allow visitors to admire the palace’s historic details and surrounding vistas from a lofty height.
Choosing a timeless material was critical. Corten, an iron alloy that corrodes and matures to mirror the old walls’ texture, emerged as the perfect choice, aligning with Helfštýn Castle’s famed ironwork tradition.
Concrete Paths: Grounded in History
We laid polished fair-face concrete boards in designated areas on the ground floor, forming platforms and pavements network. Straight Corten profiles finely finish the concrete pavement edges. Gravel fills gaps between pavements and walls, harmonizing uneven textures and lines.
Helfštýn Castle: Where Past Meets Present
Respect for the historic building grounds our concept, focusing on preserving the castle’s authentic charm. The palace now boasts an appealing sightseeing route, enabling visitors to delve into the building’s history and enjoy picturesque views from the footbridges. Contemporary architecture doesn’t compete with the historical structure but forms a cohesive unit where the old and new elements walk hand in hand.
Photography courtesy of BoysPlayNice
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- by Matt Watts
