Zichovec Brewery

competition proposal 2023
The new Zichovec Brewery represents a combination of a production hall with a multifunctional community space for informal gatherings, not only over a good beer. The property is located in an industrial zone on the outskirts of the town of Louny, aiming to create a small, independent oasis that will be attractive to various types of visitors, including those who, for any reason, do not drink alcohol.

A crucial factor influencing the design of the brewery hall is its orientation towards the cardinal directions. Skylights on the roof are positioned so that their slanted parts face directly south. This principle provides enough space for the installation of photovoltaic panels, while the grid of designer skylights breaks the monotony of the production hall and creates the iconic silhouette of the new brewery. The building’s freshness is also enhanced by exposed parts of the facade designed with translucent panels, which allow light to pass through during the day and create an effect of a glowing silhouette visible from afar at night.

The interior materials and surfaces used are selected with regard to quality, durability in demanding operations, and aesthetic simplicity. The clean and bright interior space contrasts with the colorful floor surfaces, which in the exteriors take on the function of an orientation system. The raw appearance of the interior is enhanced by the omnipresent massive reinforced concrete structure, which organizes the layout of the individual functions. The boundary between production and consumption is intentionally subtle, giving guests the impression that they are directly inside the production process.

In contrast to the rational architecture of the brewery hall, the adjacent recreational area is shaped softly. Individual islands of greenery create nooks with a variable atmosphere, dividing the garden into smaller units with seating areas, a children’s playground, a community fire pit, or a space for cultural events. The space, with its wide range of functions, is friendly to various types of visitors, whether it is an individual, a group of friends on an outing, or a family on a Sunday trip.

During the warm months, the brewery restaurant opens towards the garden, where an outdoor beer garden is available to customers as a complement to the indoor seating. Part of the garden is shaded – the extended part of the roof creates a covered colonnade, a feature rather atypical for a production hall, providing a sheltered outdoor space.

The design also includes spaces for street food stalls or food trucks during pop-ups, concerts, and other events. For cultural events, we are considering a capacity of up to 5,000 people, thanks to the possibility of moving some activities to the vacant lot behind the production hall and expanding parking capacities in the expedition areas.