One of the most interesting residential projects in the Czech Republic in recent years has been completed in Boršov nad Vltavou, just below České Budějovice. Architects from the mar.s architects studio undertook a task that required not only design courage, but also a deep understanding of the history of the place. On the site of a former rye mill, which had been in continuous operation since the 19th century, they created a complex that combines memories of the past with a modern approach to design and ecology. The result is an attractive alternative to typical development projects.
When the designers first entered the abandoned mill in 2019, they found a space with extraordinary expressive power. For nearly two hundred years, the energy of the river powered the milling equipment here, and later – two turbines, which replaced the traditional water wheel at the beginning of the 20th century. The dominant feature of the complex was a five-storey brick silo from the end of the 19th century, later supplemented with concrete tanks and an administrative building. On the opposite side of the site stood a 17th-century Baroque castle, creating a surprising juxtaposition of industry and a former residence.
The task facing the architects was to preserve this unique trace of history while opening up the site to the contemporary needs of the residents.
Something new is coming
Today, the complex consists of four buildings: two historic and two new ones. Inside, there are 83 flats ranging in size from 45 to 150 square metres, from compact flats with kitchenettes to spacious, multi-room apartments. Among them is a unique two-level apartment in the former mill tower, whose vertical form creates a unique atmosphere. A café has been located on the ground floor of the main building, which enlivens the newly created square and is a natural meeting place for residents and visitors.
The new square as the centre of life
One of the key urban planning measures was to close the open arm of the U-shaped layout by introducing a three-storey residential building. This created a square planted with trees and featuring wide steps. In its centre, an artefact found during the works was placed – an original Francis turbine, excavated from a buried water channel. The square serves as a communal courtyard, but also reminds us of the industrial past of the place.
On the river side, the water channel was restored and supplemented with a new bridge leading to the riverside park. The preserved fragments of the former garage were transformed into a gallery presenting further elements of the mill’s technological heritage.
Transformation of historic buildings
The most spectacular metamorphosis concerns the brick silo. Later superstructures were removed and the original brickwork was exposed, and a recessed, light superstructure made of light-coloured brick was placed on the roof. The façades were fitted with windows inspired by industrial steel frames and steel balconies facing the river. A loft apartment was created in the central tower, topped with a reinforced concrete structure with terraces and views of the surrounding landscape. The green roof became part of the ecological strategy of the entire complex.
The former administrative building gained a new brick plinth and light-coloured plaster. The layout of the flats refers to the solutions used in the silo, and the whole is complemented by balconies. Both historic buildings are connected by a new metal and glass communication shaft, which serves both practical and aesthetic functions.
New architecture in dialogue with the past
The three-storey building enclosing the square is distinguished by its light-coloured brick, white metal elements and flat roof. Its contemporary character is emphasised by the contrast with the historic buildings. Instead of balconies, loggias and terraces were used.
The second new building, located by the canal and river, is a five-storey red brick structure with large French windows and a combination of loggias and balconies. Its regular form opens up to the riverside landscape.
Technology and sustainable development
The design is based on the principle of maximising the use of existing structures, which the architects considered to be the most environmentally friendly approach. Green roofs and a rainwater management system that feeds the restored canal have been introduced.
The construction work was challenging: in the oldest building, the wooden silo was replaced with reinforced concrete ceilings, and in the newer part, the concrete chamber system was removed, leaving fragments of it as a testament to history. The project was carried out in collaboration with Auböck Bau, whose owners have been interested in industrial architecture for years. The shared ambition was to create a space that would not erase the traces of the past, but would reinforce their significance.
Today, the castle, silo, former administrative building, new houses, square and riverside park form a coherent whole. It is an example of how former industrial buildings can become the foundation of a new, authentic and sustainable part of the city.
design: mar.s architects | Martin Šenberger
photos: BoysPlayNice
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