The design documentation was prepared by:
Association for the Tugendhat Villa,
consisting of the following individuals and legal entities:
1. OMNIA projekt, s.r.o., lead association partner
registered in the Commercial Register of the Regional Court in Brno, Section C, insert 41766, lead association partner
Seat: Vídeòská 127, 619 00 Brno
Represented by: Ing. Vítek Tichý, secretary
Represented in technical matters: Ing.arch. Marek Tichý, Ing. Vítek Tichý
Company ID: 2628 5932
VAT ID: CZ2628 5932
2. ARCHATT, s.r.o.
registered in the Commercial Register of the Regional Court in Brno, Section C, insert 6214
Seat: Branky 291/16, 664 49 Ostopovice
Operation: Vídeòská 127, 619 00 Brno
Represented by: Ing.arch. Marek Tichý and Ing.arch. Petr Øehoøka, company secretaries
Company ID: 4696 0180
VAT ID: CZ4696 0180
3. ARCHTEAM, s.r.o.
registered in the Commercial Register of the Regional Court in Hradec Králové, Section C, insert 13132
Seat: Weyrova 3, 547 01 Náchod
Operation: Èernopolní 49, 613 00 Brno
Represented by: Ing.arch. Milan Rak, Ph.D.- based on a power of attorney
Company ID: 2528 7338
VAT ID: CZ2528 7338
4. doc. Ing. arch. Tomáš Rusín
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 00305
birth certificate no. 620828/1992
residing at Klácelova 280/1, 602 00 Brno
and
5. Ing. arch. Ivan Wahla
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 00293
birth certificate no. 6302262076
residing at Mathonova 13, 613 00 Brno
Authors:
Dipl. Ing. arch. Marek Tichý,
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 03317
Dipl. Ing. arch. Milan Rak, Ph.D.
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 02251
doc. Dipl. Ing.arch. Tomáš Rusín,
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 00305
Dipl. Ing. arch. Petr Øehoøka,
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 03325
Dipl. Ing. arch. Alexandr Skalický,
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 00808
Dipl. Ing.arch. Ivan Wahla,
certified architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 00293
Chief design engineer:
Dipl. Ing. Vítek Tichý,
certified engineer, Czech Chamber of Certified Engineers, certificate no. 1003933
Author of the garden architecture:
Dipl. Ing. Pøemysl Krejèiøík,
certified garden and landscape architect, Czech Chamber of Architects, certificate no. 03289
Dipl. Ing. Kamila Krejèiøíková
Prepared by:
Dipl. Ing. arch. Zdenìk Pøibyl
Dipl. Ing. arch. Markéta Šucmanová
Dipl. Ing. Vítek Tichý
Dipl. Ing. arch. Marek Tichý
Dipl. Ing. Zsolt Kocsis
Dipl. Ing. Martin Špièka
Dipl. Ing. arch. Petr Mutina
Dipl. Ing. arch. Ivan Wahla
doc. Dipl. Ing.arch. Tomáš Rusín
Dipl. Ing. arch. Zbynìk Musil
Bc. Jiøí Vokøál
Specialists:
Dipl. Ing. Jindøich Èerník
Dipl. Ing. Pøemysl Krejèiøík
Dipl. Ing. Kamila Krejèiøíková
Dipl. Ing. Zdenìk Tichý
doc. Dipl. Ing. Antonín Fajkoš, CSc.
Dipl. Ing. Miluše Hájková
Dipl. Ing. Jitka Nerudová
Dipl. Ing. Zdenìk Vitula
Dipl. Ing. Lubomír Stanìk
Dipl. Ing. Jan Bukolský
Dipl.Ing. Karel Alexa
Dipl. Ing. Jiøí Sítaø
Dipl. Ing. Stanislav Bauer
... et al.
1. Accompanying (General) Part of the Design for the Building Permit
1.1. Introduction
This accompanying and technical report (like this entire stage of design) corresponds with the common procedures and requirements of the Building Act and is structured as a report typical for the design for the building permit for reconstructions, which stresses information important for obtaining the building permit. This does not mean that the concept of the restoration of the building declared in the previous study is to be limited in any way. The restoration work usually does not require a building permit and this is why it is not specified in detail in this report. More emphasis will be put on them in the next stage, after the summarization of conservation surveys carried out, among others, by Professor Ivo Hammer.
1.2. Basic Information on the Building
Title: Regeneration and restoration of the Tugendhat Villa in Brno
Title as
per the Work
Contract: Tugendhat Villa – Reconstruction
Location: Èernopolní street no. 45, Brno – North
Number: 237
Cadaster: Èerná Pole
Plot no.: the Villa – 3365
the garden – 3366
Owner: Statutory City of Brno, Dominikánské nám.1, 601 67 Brno
(building including the parcel and garden)
Investor: Statutory City of Brno, Dominikánské nám.1, 601 67 Brno
User: Brno City Museum, Špilberk 1, 662 24 Brno
Author: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Greta Müller – Roder
The Villa is a registered National Cultural Monument no. 16079/7 – 98. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
From the Building Act point of view, the project involves a structural modification of the existing building. These modifications will affect mainly the ground floor – basement, the 2nd and 3rd floors will not be affected to a great extent. The most significant intervention will be the reinforcement of the supporting wall, the frame piles and filling walls, replacement of horizontal sewers, dismantling and re-assembly of the inadequately founded outside staircase with part of the terrace, including the rooms beneath, and the replacement of roof structures, including the attics and terraces and the regeneration of their sills.
A building of such importance as the Tugendhat Villa cannot be reconstructed in the traditional way. It is a monument of outstanding value, which has been substantially preserved in the original shape. The objective of the construction work is the restoration into the same condition as it was after its completion, that is when it was inhabited by the Tugendhat family (REGENERATION). Another objective is to add to the monument durability as a whole, mainly by improving the statical properties, roofing and all original parts and materials (RESTORATION).
There will be only a few traditional structural interventions and their sole purpose will be the restoration of the original plan of the building (see the Structural – Historical Survey). Another reason for structural interventions is the statical securing (highly professional job) and the overall reconstruction of the roof addressing problems typical of flat roofs.
We expect to work on the sanitary installations; the piping will be replaced as it is one of the causes for statical problems as well as the central heating and electrical wiring (low and high voltage). In all cases the interference with the original structures is to be minimized as a principle. The necessary new installation routes will be preferably placed in old routes (both in the original ones from the 1930s and in the newly built ones in the 1980s), in places where the original plaster is missing and ducts are present in the walls. Where it is possible, existing high-voltage ducts will be used as well.
The exhibition room with a variable occasional assembly room, study and documentation centre and the toilets for visitors will be situated on the ground floor (basement) as autonomous light interior elements connected with the building only via the high-voltage wiring, sanitation and air-conditioning.
Most other work will be restoration, mainly of the interior and fittings.
Beside the Villa the project includes the following elements:
- relocation of a low-voltage cable in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- pile wall in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- modification of tiling at the entrance and on the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- situation of 4 security cameras and with an output to the City Police on public lighting poles on the opposite side of the Èernopolní street, another 4 cameras with the same purpose will be positioned on individual short poles in the garden and an outdoor electronic security alarm system will be installed,
- repair of the outdoor staff staircase including the adjacent terraces and supporting walls and installation of 2 platforms for the handicapped and water drains,
- garden architecture and paved areas (garden including terraces and paved paths and the green sidewalk outside the Villa),
- replacement of water piping and part of the sewer in the garden,
- restoration and repair of fences including gates and concrete sockles,
- removal of the existing outdoor lights on the Villa and the garden including concrete sockles and their replacement with sockets for optional mobile lights,
- connecting a new low-voltage cable in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- building a post with an electronic gatekeeper including a camera, bells and postbox outside the staff entrance, its connection to low and high-voltage supply.
1.4. Construction Site Description
A three-storey building with a complex rectangular plan and a flat roof. Individual floors have different plan areas. In terms of building machinery, the building is accessible only from the Èernopolní street from where even the top floor can be reached (3rd level). In theory, it is possible to access the building via the garden from the Drobného street nos. 22 and 26a but this stumbles on ownership and technical difficulties.
The garden consists of well-kept green areas accessible only for pedestrians or with a long crane arm. There is plenty of well-kept greenery on the parcel, which will be preserved and, in some places, replaced with grown-up plants, which are younger and better suited for the purpose. The parcel is situated on a southern slope (7-meter elevation).
The construction site equipment and construction organization are described in another section of this project, the same applies to greenery and garden architecture.
1.5. Documents Used
- Construction – Historical Survey
– team of authors led by Bc. Karel Ksandr (2001)
- Microscopic Survey of the Surface Coating Stratigraphics
– Rudolf Šlesinger (part of the construction – historical survey)
- The Tugendhat Villa in Brno Façades Survey (2005) – published part
– HAWK Hildesheim team led by Prof. Ivo Hammer
- Static and Geotechnical Survey Summary
– Ing. P. Daniel, Ing. V. Fiala, Ing. P. Klablena, STABIL, spol. s.r.o., Geofyzika
Brno, a.s., Dolexpert – geotechnika, Geotechnika, spol. s r.o.
- Technical Networks Survey
– V.P.T. Group, s.r.o. (2001)
- Report on the Present Building Condition
– Wolf Tegethoff, Jan Sapák and Nina Schneiderová (1997)
- Finding: SURPMO, building situation following the finding from 1982
- Digital Geodetic Finding Using the Laser Scan Method
- GEODIS (2005)
- The Tugendhat Villa in Brno Regeneration and Restoration – study
- Association for the Tugendhat Villa (2005)
1.6. Surveys and Measurements and their Outputs
- Measurement of Details for Completing the Documentation of the Present Situation (Association for the Tugendhat Villa, 2005)
Output: detailed documentation of the present situation in scale up to 1:1
- Survey Probes to the Structure for the Design Purpose (OMNIA projekt, 2005)
Output: the survey identified the method of anchoring the foots and their condition, the condition of the built-in steel column, composition of the floor and partially the composition of the terrace, it confirmed the composition of the outer shell, the route of the heating duct, connection of the wall between the pantry and kitchen, composition of the floor in the main living room and more. See a separate part of this project C1 – I/1 for details.
- Measurement of Dampness and Salinity, its Interpretation and Conclusions (OMNIA projekt, 2005)
Output: the building interior is mostly dry, the exterior is damp in places – it is caused by splashing water. See a separate part of this project C1 – I/4 for details.
- Preliminary Restorer's Survey on Technical Monuments for the Project Purposes
(Ing. Sedlák, 2005)
It was prepared as part of a study, it is not important for the building permit.
- Preliminary Survey of Wood Elements and their Surfaces (L. Urbánek, 2005)
It was prepared as part of a study, it is not important for the building permit.
- Preliminary Survey of Metal Elements and their Surfaces for the Purpose of Inventory (Mgr. Janda, Ing. Vít Jan and OMNIA projekt)
Output: definition of some metals and surfaces, used for inventory.
- Surveys prepared by specialists on central heating, basic technical networks and electrical installations for the purpose of the project (Ing. Bauer, Ing. Sítaø, Ing. Z. Tichý, Ezamont, Ing. Bukolský, 2005)
Output: some of the existing and historic routes were identified, the suitability of placing modern elements was reviewed, materials were determined as well as the condition of some existing installations. See individual projects by specialists and the previous project stage for details.
1.7. Proposed Urbanistic, Architectonic and Construction Technical Issues, their Structural Parts and Use of Material in terms of General Technical Requirements on the Construction
The project involves an existing building including the surrounding area, which is to be regenerated and restored provided that the use remains unchanged. In terms of urbanism, it does not need to be addressed. The architectonic issues are described in section 2.1 of the Technical Report provided below.
The construction technical issues are outlined in section 2.2 of the Technical Report provided below.
General technical requirements on the regeneration and restoration of a national cultural monument listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List are respected as necessary – only in cases where it is possible with regard to the minimum interventions required by the monument care authorities. This is reflected, for example, in the area of construction physics, where the thermal-technical properties of the building are defined by the structure itself and, with exceptions, cannot be further improved.
1.8. Demands on Water Management, Power Supplies, Transport (incl. Parking), Waste Disposal
The project involves and existing building the use of which is not to be changed. Therefore, the demands for the above are not changed either. The numbers of visitors are expected to remain at the same level (regulation and reduction of visitor numbers is being considered). Occasionally, the ground floor exhibition rooms will be used for lectures for a limited number of audiences (30 persons). Similar events have been held in the Villa in the present condition, even though no special rooms are available for the purpose. The demands for parking and waste disposal are not expected to increase.
1.9. Connecting the Building to Existing Technical Networks
The project involves and existing building, the connections remain unchanged.
1.10. Information on Existing Ground and Underground Structures on the Parcel
The project involves an existing building, which will not be extended. In relation to the pile wall situated in the approx. 60 cm wide sidewalk outside the Villa the existing low-voltage cable will be relocated. The existing networks situated in the sidewalk will be crossed as a result of the connection of the information post. Existing networks have been identified by their operators and are shown on the coordination situation plan. The issue of their protection zones is addressed by relevant specialists within the design and the trespassing of these zones will be approved as part of the project approval procedure.
1.11. Information on Meeting Conditions Defined by Relevant Authorities
The project involves the regeneration and restoration of an existing building, for which a planning decision is not required. In this case only the requirements of monument care authorities have been defined. These are adhered to in the design, which is supported by the consent of the authorities. An exception is the issue of statical securing, as the necessity of the designed anchoring of frame columns and filling walls is being surveyed.
1.14. Fire Safety (summary of a separate part of this design):
The original three-storey Villa. Two upper levels are living areas, the bottom floor was technical. The Villa has been converted to a museum without major building modifications. The building will be used as a showcase (unique functionalist structure and interiors) for groups of visitors counting no more than 10 persons and the guide. There may be more groups at a time.
On the 2nd and 3rd level museum exhibitions will be prepared displaying the living areas of the house, a study and documentation centre will be situated on the ground floor. From the ground floor there will be an exit to the garden, from the 2nd level there will be an exit to the garden and a direct exit to the garden from the conservatory. On the 3rd level there will be the main entrance from the street.
Structural design:
- the supporting structure is formed by ferro-concrete and brick walls, steel columns and steel beams, ceramic-concrete and ferro-concrete ceilings.
- the outer sandwich walls – brick, cork (thermal insulation), brick.
Steel columns inside the frame are plated with chrome-plated sheets copying the shape of the cross column formed by riveted L-profiles.
The building is the 1st category monument.
Proposed structural modifications:
- static securing of the building (root piles, repair of the steel frame, etc.)
- replacement of thermal insulation in roofs and terraces – the original cork will be replaced with foam glass, new water insulation
- floor repairs – original material will be preserved
- heating reconstruction – hot water system with radiators will be preserved, fossil fuel boiler will become a display installation, the heating is newly designed in the boiler room area in the form of a modern exchanger station connected to the district heating system
Note:
The existing exchanger station installed in the 1980s will be removed.
- reconstruction of the existing gas piping, an alternative is the removal of the gas connection
- reconstruction of sewage, water main including the historical insulation (mineral wool + plaster + coating)
- electrical wiring reconstruction, newly introduced low-voltage for the electronic security system
- original air-conditioning incl. chilling with humidization will be re-introduced
With regard to the significance of the monument no modifications for the access of the handicapped will be made.
The building is assessed according to the standard ÈSN 73 0834 as a change in use from the situation in the 1930s.
Structure modification assessment – Article 3.3:
The extent of certified modifications as per sections a – c is not exceeded – see chapter B.
According to section d) the floor must not be modified in such way that a room of more than 100 m2 would be created.
The study and documentation centre on the ground floor will correspond with the original layout. The additional partition wall that separated the ironing area, originally made of glass-wood, later replaced with ceramic, will be removed. Equally, all other newly added partition walls separating the original areas will be removed. According to surveys, originally there were only two rooms of about 120 m2 on the ground floor. This finding will be documented within the structural – historic survey. The above suggests that the two areas of the study and documentation centre are original.
This means that the condition set out in section b) has been met.
Structural changes of group I do not require further measures, if they meet the requirements outlined in chapter 4.
Based on the subsequent specification of purposes of some rooms and the creation of 2 interior boxes with maintenance storage, an addition was prepared to the fire safety report by another fire specialist Ing. Nerudová (Ing. Hájková resigned on her job for health reasons on 1 Jan. 2006). The additional report suggests creating a separate fire zone in the area under the outdoor staircase, including fire-proof doors in the area, which will be accepted.
See a separate section of this design for details.
2. Technical Report
2.1. Architecture
2.1.1. Principles of Monument Renewal
Based on information, documents and terms of reference the renewal (restoration) of the Tugendhat Villa in Brno is planned as a restoration work focusing on the full recovery of the original. The original substance from 1930 – 1938 will be preserved with the use of the best methods and technology available. The method of completing missing elements will be subject to the subsequent protection of the original substance provided that the work by Mies van der Rohe's will be respected. In case of a collision, the original substance protection will be preferred to the monument presentation.
2.1.2. New Interior
The renewal and restoration of the original interior concept follows the overall concept of the monument restoration. All preserved pieces of built-in interior will be restored with great care, missing parts will be supplied as perfect replicas using the same material and in the same dimensions. The building will be furnished with new replicas of furniture or original pieces. The location of originals in the building is subject to their adequate protection against damage and the agreement with the present owners on the loan, donation or purchase of individual items. Further, the renewed interior will be provided with historical accessories selected in the technical museum so that the visitors fully understand the functioning of the whole building.
The interior renewal design is based on historical photographs from 1930 – 1938 when the Villa was used by its owners. The original interior will be renewed on the basis of a thorough knowledge obtained mainly by studying original parts of the interior as well as historical documentation and photographs.
In terms of the building, it includes especially:
- minor demolitions, relocation and installation of partition walls and openings with the aim of achieving the layout identical with that in the 1930s – in line with the structural-historic survey,
- statical securing of the frame columns and walls and related removal of parts of the concrete floor on the ground floor and its replacement with new floors resembling the original, disconnection of water insulation in many places (horizontal sewage will be also replaced),
- reinforcing the supporting wall facing the Èernopolní street (see also the scope of work outside the building),
- expert dismantling of the statically disturbed outdoor staircase to the garden and part of the terrace, including the rooms under the terrace, detailed documentation and transfer of raised surfaces and subsequent construction of the staircase on new foundations using original wall material and identical shape and surface, including the staircase,
- dismantling of attics and their replacement,
- static conservation of existing sills on the upper terrace,
- removal of damaged and damp plasters on the mop boards and their replacement,
- removal of the existing roof and terrace systems all the way to the ceiling support and their replacement with new modern systems provided that the new surface will be made to resemble the original surface from the 1930s, as documented in period photographs (in case of the roof, the situation to be re-established will be from a slightly later period when it was laid with concrete tiles),
- restoration, repair, replacement, renewal and establishment of new or original elements and technical networks in the building, low-voltage and high-voltage wiring,
- restoration of original surfaces, products and equipment, including fixtures and fittings, interior and furniture, indicative fitting of some adjacent rooms,
- establishment of the study and documentation centre, exhibition, variable assembly room and toilets for the handicapped on the ground floor as well as 2 boxes for maintenance storage in the air insulation hollow ("tunnel") – light interior and removable insertion,
- establishment of a new exhibition route (basic and extended), including the cash desk and other related rooms,
- modern and, if possible, original equipment of the original technical rooms in the Villa.
Outside the Villa the project includes the following elements:
- relocation of low-voltage cabling in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- pile wall in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- modification of tiling at the entrance and on the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- situation of 4 cameras for the security guards and the city police on public lighting poles on the opposite side of the Èernopolní street, another 4 cameras with the same purpose on individual short poles in the garden and installation of an outdoor electronic security alarm system,
- repair of the outdoor staff staircase including the adjacent terraces and supporting walls and installation of 2 platforms for the handicapped and water drains,
- garden architecture and paved areas (garden including terraces and paved paths and the green sidewalk outside the Villa),
- replacement of water piping and part of the sewer in the garden,
- restoration and repair of fences including gates and concrete sockles,
- removal of the existing outdoor lights on the Villa and the garden including concrete sockles and their replacement with sockets for optional mobile lights,
- connecting a new low-voltage cable in the sidewalk outside the Villa,
- building a post with an electronic gatekeeper including a camera, bells and postbox outside the staff entrance, its connection to low and high-voltage supply.
2.1.4 Use of the Building, Capacity
The Tugendhat Villa will be used as an installed monument with viewing tours for the public and experts with a possibility to further study the Villa as well as the author's personality in the study and documentation centre. The Villa can also be used for studying the topic in the research room and for conferences accommodating limited numbers of participants. Accessible will be both the interior and the renewed garden and terraces.
The objective of the Tugendhat Villa regeneration and restoration is to open as many rooms as possible to the public. Only those rooms are reserved for the background areas and management, where there is not enough information for their renewal. Most of these functions are concentrated in the garage and the servants' quarters. The majority of the bottom floor is occupied by the study and documentation centre and an exhibition with the lecture room option.
The proposed study and documentation centre with an exhibition were not originally used for this purpose and their perpendicular walls and windows and doors do not meet the existing requirements on thermal insulation. However, they are part of the national cultural monument and a monument listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage and as such they may not be disturbed. The areas therefore have to be used properly – frequently aired and regulated in heating and numbers of visitors have to be reduced in order to reduce the interior humidity and ensure a sufficient flow of fresh air. This way the condensation on the windows, doors, door frames, sills and thresholds should be reduced as well as other accompanying negative phenomena. They cannot be excluded completely, though. The negative phenomena related to the above-mentioned situation are not defects in the design and have to be, if they occur, addressed by adjusting the operation and reducing the number of persons present in the building.
On each floor there is one small room reserved as a storage room, as there is little or no documentation in the original drawings and photographs.
Maximum capacity:
Number of visitors in one group: 10
Number of groups at a time: 2
Number of guides: 4
Number of Villa staff apart from guides: 5 (Villa manager, centre manager, cash desk clerk, centre staff, security guard) – the cash desk clerk can work as a guide.
Number of visitors to the exhibition and documentation centre: max. 30
The technical maintenance of all equipment will be provided by the user (Brno City Museum). The maintenance staff room and storage room will be outside the Villa building, in another building owned by the user. The maintenance standby storage will be designed as 2 interior cells using the niches in the installation tunnel; one of them will be heated.
2.2. Structural Part
As some probes have not been made yet and all survey results are not yet available (including the survey by Professor Ivo Hammer), the proposed solutions can be corrected in the next design level.
Perfect knowledge of the built-in structures and materials, their actual properties, dimensions and condition will not be obtained even when all probes and surveys have been completed. In order to obtain adequate assurance, it would be necessary to perform all demolitions and excavations, i. e. part of the construction work, as early as the design stage, which is not feasible. All proposed solutions will be revisited during inspection days, once the structures and materials are uncovered, in the presence of the investor, designer and monument care authorities.
2.2.1 Static Design
Statical repairs on the building will concentrate on stabilizing the supporting wall, supporting columns and walls, using the technology of directionally drilled micropiles. See the static design section for details.
2.2.3. Vertical Supporting Structures
The existing vertical supporting structure consists of steel columns, including bracing. The probes indicate that most column cutwaters are likely to be corroded. During the construction a survey will be carried out after the uncovering of all columns to identify the level of corrosion and a solution. Preliminarily, it is suggested to remove rust, weld and treat all cutwaters against corrosion. For more details see the technical report of the static section.
The garden staircase and part of the terrace vertical supporting structures will be re-assembled using original bricks and other elements. Specifically, this work is part of the 3rd level of the design. Both the design and the execution stages require a close cooperation with the monument care authorities.
2.2.4 Horizontal Supporting Structures
In the repaired building the ceiling structure is formed by beams and perpendicular cross beams – all made of steel. Above the cross beams there are concrete panels with ceramic inserts, the beams are also covered in concrete under the panels.
The entire structure will remain unchanged, only in places of intolerable corrosion (to be identified during the survey) it will be welded with steel sheets. In accessible places corrosion will be neutralized and anti-corrosion coating will be applied to the structure. Visibly damaged concrete sections will be repaired using the technology for the recovery of damaged concrete panels.
For more details see the technical report of the static section.
2.2.5 Partition Walls
Various changes aimed at restoring the original situation from the 1930s, as documented in the structural – historical survey, will affect the existing partition walls. This applies mainly to the additionally partitioned areas on the ground floor.
The wood semi-circle wall in macassar veneer will be replaced with an original structure wall made according to the original documentation; it will be slightly shifted into the original position. Visually authentic macassar veneer will be used (in original dimensions, original mop board and more authentic appearance. Suitable samples are being selected at present.
The onyx wall will remain in its place, the restorer will merely remove dirt and treat the surface.
2.2.6. Outer Shell
Surveys carried out so far revealed that it was made of sandwich walls where the outer shell of full brick was provided with reinforcement steel frames with a Rabitz mat on it and cork-based thermal insulation on top. A layer of plaster was on top of the Rabitz mat, containing a larger amount of cement. After hardening, a classical leveling interior plaster was performed, with an increased content of lime. The outdoor surface of bricks was also plastered and coated.
In another place (in the outer shell under the outdoor staircase and part of the terrace to the garden) only classic full brick plastered walls were found.
With the exception of the outdoor staircase and part of the terrace to the garden, which will be dismantled (see previous chapters), the outer shell will remain without major changes. It will have to be disturbed only in a few places where it will be necessary to weld and treat built-in supporting columns against corrosion. It is assumed that water steam condenses in some spots of the outer shell, which could have a negative impact on the steel elements. So far, it has not been proved by probing that any built-in column is subject to corrosion.
Demolished and rebuilt will be parts that meet with the terraces where the existing insulation is welded to copper sheets. They are built into the walls and the walls become damp with the splashing water and flake. The same situation is in the brick terrace rails.
The attic will also have to be demolished and rebuilt, as it is from the 1980s and (probably due to the bad roof dilatation) it is ripped off and leaning outwards.
Cracks in the outer shell, with the exception of those described above, are caused by the uneven settling of individual foots, which deforms the supporting structure as a result of thermal bridges and high differences between the inside and outside temperatures thanks to the thin and non-homogenous outer shell (connecting materials with varying thermal dilatability and absence of dilatation). Details are provided in the static design section.
The causes should be partially removed by preventing the uneven settling of foots and heating the exhibition areas that will be used only for the passage of visitors to 18°C or less.
As regards the technical rooms and the occasional assembly room on the ground floor, this will not be possible, since a comfortable temperature has to be maintained there. Especially in the rooms where persons producing humidity will be present, there will be problems caused by the imperfect thermal-technical properties of the original doors and windows with single glass panes, door frames and walls. Steam will condense especially on the door frames and will cause mold. It is possible to prevent these negative phenomena by replacing the windows and doors (impossible for monument protection reasons) with new ones with better insulation properties and an additional thermal insulation with a high-quality material, such as foam glass or extruded polystyrene.
If necessary, the thermal insulation can be applied locally. This problem will be addressed at the execution level, depending on the view of the monument care authorities and, possibly, results of a thermophotographic image.
All negative phenomena described above can be substantially eliminated by the proper use of the building, namely frequent airing – see section 2.1.4.
Existing cracks can be either repaired by filling with plastic cement that can, to some extent, eliminate the movement or sawn together in the traditional way (provided that they can appear in different places later) or just fix and leave. The final procedure or combination of methods will be decided at the next stage. More in the static section.
In any case, it is impossible to prevent some smaller cracks to reappear some time later. Such a situation is not a design defect but a natural part of thus designed and executed structure, like in many other monument buildings. The only reliable way of preventing the cracks would be an overall thermal insulation of the building, which cannot be proposed for obvious reasons.
2.2.7 Floor and Wall Tiles
Terazza tiles
The outdoor concrete tiles (ca. 800 x 800mm) on the terraces is the result of the reconstruction by SURPMO in 1984 – 1985. In terms of shape and position of individual tiles the floor is a high-quality copy of the original tiles, only the surface structure is different. The removal of the present tiles poses a risk of their damaging. In such case individual damaged pieces would have to be replaced and the surface would no longer be uniform.
We propose that the present tiled floor be completely dismantled, numbered, registered (if it has not been registered yet) and placed in a protected place. The new tiling will be executed with concrete tiles with surfaces similar to the original tiles that is documented in several period photographs – i. e. a rough surface. The original tiles from the 1980s can be used as templates. After the terrace reconstruction the new tiles can be laid and after that the tiles from the 1980s can be removed. The investor and user of the Villa will decide on their disposal.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles on the technical terrace come from 1984 – 1985 and will be replaced completely. Concrete tiles will be newly laid on the northern balcony and the northern terrace, instead of the later added poured ground terazza.
Stone floor tiles
Travertine floor tiles on the lower terrace will be repaired and completed. The present tiles are not cut correctly, probably due to the replacement of damaged original pieces in 1984 – 1985. These original fragments could be reused on the roofed part of the terrace. The condition is their joining and retouching by a restorer, so that the result is a tile in the original size, i.e. 800 x 800mm. The main area will be retiled with new travertine tiles with a structure similar to the preserved half-tiles but correctly cut (i. e. not made with tiles cut into halves).
Travertine floor tiles in the hall (room no. 3.01) and conservatory (room no. 2.07) are preserved and original. The tile surface will be restored in position according to the technology and restoration procedures outlined in the execution design.
Stone floor tiles in bathrooms will be renewed according to the execution design, which will work with original photographs.
The tiling will be non-traditional, according to preserved samples.
Ceramic floor tiles
Floor tiles will be completely restored in the anti-moth chamber (room no. 1.02) containing the only original floor tiling.
Ceramic floor and wall tiles in bathrooms, toilets and kitchen and other rooms on the 2nd and 3rd level will be reconstructed in full.
New ceramic tiles will be laid in the place of the original (8.0mm thickness, 150x150mm). Ceramic tiles will be placed in water-proof cement on water-proof surface and joined with water-proof joining material.
Ceramic tiles
Tiles will be completely restored in the anti-moth chamber (room no. 1.02) containing the only original wall tiling including corner and bottom pieces.
Ceramic tiles in some ground floor rooms will be renewed. The example of tiling is available in the anti-moth chamber (room no. 1.02).
Ceramic tiles in bathrooms, toilets and kitchen and other rooms on the 2nd and 3rd level will be reconstructed in full. The example of tiling is available in the anti-moth chamber.
Woodwork
It is described in the section of this report describing joinery products.
2.2.8 Floors
The results of a probe, which had to be made in a hidden place (so it is not necessarily a typical sample), indicate that on the original ceramic-concrete supporting panel there are 1 – 2 layers of concrete plaster and that the top layer is not of the best quality. We suggest a complete removal of the top layer (5 – 10cm thick) and replace it, provided that a leveling concrete-based surface will be applied on top. New ducts can be placed in thus executed layer (namely the low-voltage cable for electronic fire alarm etc.).
A specific problem is the fact that due to the frame settling in the past, the floors are not absolutely horizontal. The differences in heights in the main living area are, for example 6mm diagonally and 33mm longitudinally. With regard to the existing structures and impossibility of additional height differences between rooms this unevenness cannot be leveled. The new surface will have to be tilted in order to adjust to the existing situation.
The linoleum floors will be completely replaced with replicas of the original linoleum (DLW Linoleum appears to be a suitable substitute).
2.2.9 Staircases
The existing indoor double-flight staircase from the 2nd to the 3rd floor with travertine steps will be restored.
The winding steel staircase from the 1st to the 2nd floor will be restored.
The outdoor staircase to the garden will be dismantled, due to static disturbance, restored and re-assembled by means of the same procedure as the structure under the lower terrace.
Steps will be replaced with new ones, following the original parameters.
The outdoor steel-concrete staircase connecting various levels of the northern terraces will be restored or repaired.
2.2.10 Roof and Terraces
The existing single-layer flat roof is inadequate for future use. Asphalt belts and the whole system will be removed all the way to the ceiling structure and replaced with a new roof system.
The composition of the new roof will be as follows:
- concrete tiles positioned on distance blocks
- water insulation layer ESHA UNIVERSAL placed in hot asphalt
- thermal insulation layer FOAMGLAS 100mm tick placed in hot asphalt
- gradient layer FOAMGLAS - 2% gradient, placed in hot asphalt
- leveled original ceiling structure provided with a penetration coating
The existing terrace composition is inadequate and will be replaced with new systems.
The composition of the new terraces will be as follows:
- concrete tiles corresponding with original ones, joints will be poured with asphalt
- sand filling
- filtration layer with weight 300 g/m2
- drainage layer of profiled plastic foil with cut-through bottom LITHOPLAST PERFOR
- water insulation layer ESHA UNIVERSAL placed in hot asphalt
- thermal insulation layer FOAMGLAS 100mm tick placed in hot asphalt
- gradient layer FOAMGLAS - 2% gradient, placed in hot asphalt
- leveled original ceiling structure provided with a penetration coating
It was impossible to make deep probes into the existing roof and terraces, since the actual execution is still far ahead. More precise and numerous details will be proposed after several probes have been evaluated. The details provided in a separate part of this design are indicative. There will be modern standard inlets, on the terraces fitted with alloy grids suggesting the likely period appearance.
More details are provided in a separate part of the design prepared by a roof specialist.
2.2.11 Water Insulation
The living floors are not subject to ground dampness thanks to the sensible provision of an air insulation hollow ("tunnel") separating the living areas from the ground. Probes to the foot have not identified any excess ground dampness. Dampness measurement (see a separate part of this design for evaluation of readings) has not confirmed any increased humidity in the building. On the other side, a probe into the original coal chute that was full of water suggests that the building is being attacked by some kind of humidity (probably from rain water).
Static probes also indicate fluctuating and anomalous ground water levels.
The source of obvious dampness in some outer walls is the splashing and partially climbing water from the terraces. This problem will be addressed as part of other details of the terrace composition (see Roof and Terraces section) and by means of drainage (see Outdoor Staff Staircase and its Terrace). The increased local dampness inside (outside main living areas) is probably caused by condensation, leaking roof drainage, etc.
Probes to the cutwaters of foots discovered a layer of about 10mm thick water insulation based on asphalt. It is likely that in the future it can be consumed in some places. The existing insulation will be greatly damaged during the uncovering of the column cutwaters, replacement of horizontal sewage and situation of electrical cables. For this reason we recommend to uncover the floors on the ground floor and replace it with modern bitumen insulation sealed to the columns and new insulation and subsequent concreting in the heating duct. The situation can be used for the laying of thermal insulation based on modern foam glass, even though it will not achieve the required thickness due to the reduced depth of existing floor. In the place of peripheral walls and new partition walls it is possible, in principle, to:
· adopt a gentle and considerate approach and find a solution that will last until the complete consumption of the original water insulation in the walls and partitions. It means the welding of a new insulation to the original asphalt insulation. It cannot be estimated when the material will be consumed, it will vary in places.
· adopt a radical solution, which can result in more cracks in the walls and partitions. It means the replacement of the original insulation with inserted stainless steel sheets (pre-cut), on which new insulation will be adhered. It may be necessary to use injection will in some places (at the supporting wall, for example) where other solutions cannot be applied. This radical solution is more secure in the long run and it is the condition for assuming responsibility for drying the building.
Parts of the original water insulation that are not tightly connected can be replaced in their original positions on top of the above-mentioned modern insulation.
If the historical insulation is considered to be adhered to the modern insulation in many places (anchoring of columns, sewage replacement, piles for walls...) or connected with the original insulation as presently required by the monument care authorities, the designer cannot provide a warranty on such mended insulation.
The provision of drainage ducts would probably fail to be effective in this particular case and besides it contradicts the original philosophy of flat insulation, which was rather progressive at its time.
In sanitary rooms there will be water-proof cement under ceramic tiles. The insulation of roofs and terraces will be new – see a separate part "Roofs and Terraces".
2.2.12 Thermal Insulation
The roof and terraces thermal insulation will be performed with the new insulation material (modern foam glass) – see a separate section "Roofs and Terraces". The maximum thickness and minimum inclination are designed due to the height limitations of the attics. In the newly designed ground floor composition (should it be replaced) there is thermal insulation of modern foam glass in a thickness that will not compromise the compactness and quality of the final smoothen concrete floor panel (i. e. ca. 40 -50mm).
The peripheral walls under the outdoor staircase and part of the terrace to the garden are not designed as sandwich walls (unlike other peripheral walls on the ground floor). These should be dismantled and rebuilt with the use of the original bricks. We suggest proposing an alternative building of these walls with a similar sandwich technology, like in other walls (see section 2.2.6 "Outer Shell") provided that only part of the original bricks would be used.
It is a monument building and therefore it is impossible to satisfy the requirements of the relevant ÈSN standard on the building thermal insulation (it is applied in a limited way). More details in section 2.1.4. "Use of the Building" and 2.2.6. "Outer Shell".
2.2.13 Chimneys
The chimneys will require cleaning because some are obviously filled with waste and debris. In theory, the chimneys in the boiler room used as the outlets for the display historic boilers and water heater are operable. Vents used for the ventilation of chambers and storage rooms will continue to fulfill their function. The chimney originally used for the kitchen ventilation will be newly used. The display gas cooker will not be in operation, as it does not meet the present safety regulations, therefore there will be no steam produced by cooking. The cooker outlet into the kitchen chimney will be blinded. The chimney, which unlike the chamber vents reaches above the roof level, will be used for the forced ventilation of the newly built-in interior boxes with toilets for the display and documentation centre visitors.
2.2.14 Windows and Doors
The windows and doors are described in the following sections "Joinery Products" and "Metal Products", they are also mentioned in other chapters where their structural and physical properties are described.
There are the specific issues of the original, existing and proposed glazing in the steel glass wall in the main living room and conservatory with transparent large glass panes and the large arch transparent glass wall around the staircase:
In case of the steel glass walls in the main living room, according to available information polished glass panes were used with the diameter ca. 3030 (height)x5450 (width) mm. Presently there are float panes used in the building, in some cases divided into two sections, vertical joints are filled with a transparent cement. We propose to use 6-8mm thick low-metal polished glass in original dimensions, i. e. undivided.
All panes in the arch glass wall around the staircase are divided by partitions in the middle and instead of the original opaque glass there are two layers of organic glass (polymethylmetacrylate) in transparent finish. We suggest using bent float glass, engraved on the interior surface, in original dimensions (without partitions).
All the proposals will be further consulted with a specialized research centre.
2.2.15 Joinery Products
The original joinery products will be restored according to technology and restoration procedures that will be specified in the execution design. Products that are not original and come mostly from the latest reconstruction by SURPMO (1984-85) will be replaced with new replicas made to preserved documents.
Performed will be the following:
1. Restoration of the 2nd and 3rd floor doors coated in white varnish – it will be necessary to mend the superficial cracks on the doors. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
2. Restoration of the entrance door and original veneer doors on the 3rd floor – the damaged rose wood veneer will require a new and better quality mending, surface cracks will be mended on the veneer surface. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
3. Restoration of wood panelling - the damaged veneer surfaces will require mending. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
4. Restoration of the original built-in furniture – this concerns a closet, bookshelves and closets in front of the safe room. A separate part of the documentation describes the procedures.
5. Repair of the original toilet door (room no. 3.06) – the door will be restored to its original surface finish in accordance with the obtained results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
6. Renewed door connecting the hall (room no. 3.01) and ante-room (room no. 3.02) - a new door will be made to the original design, i.e. with rose wood veneer, to replace the present bad copy. In the end the door and door frame surfaces will be treated in accordance with the obtained results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
7. Renewal of the arch macassar wall – the present wall is the result of the reconstruction by SURPMO (1984-85) and is a very bad replica of the original wall. Besides, it is incorrectly positioned in the floor plan. A new replica will be made to preserved plans and historic photographs.
8. Renewal of the sliding door connecting the boys' rooms (room no. 3.10) with the young lady's room (room no. 3.11) - a new sliding door will be made to fit the renewed opening according to preserved plans and historic photographs.
9. Renewal of window sills and mop boards – the present window sills and floor mop boards come from the 1984-85 reconstruction by SURPMO and will be removed and replaced with new ones made to the original plans and period photographs.
10. Renewal of wood panelling - wood panels will be renewed in the hall cloakroom area (3.01) according to preserved drawings.
11. Dismantling of derivative wood panelling in the hall (room no. 3.01) and anteroom (room no. 3.02)
12. Dismantling and research of the toilet door on the 2nd floor (room no. 2.18)
13. Renewal of built-in furniture and fittings – These items are described in a separate part of the documentation.
Window sills, sockles and other stone products will be restored.
2.2.17 Metal Products
Small metal items will be restored and replaced, if necessary, their surfaces will be treated according to the research of original surface treatment. This includes namely:
1. Repair of doors on the 1st floor - local mending will be required. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes. All door handles and locks will be replaced with replicas copied from preserved doors in the air-conditioning technology room (room no. 1.17).
2. Restoration of the steel exterior door - original preserved parts will be restored. The door will be dismantled, as the rotting wood insulation needs replacement. New elements, such as the metal sheet at the door bottom, will be removed and the door will be restored into the original shape. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes.
3. Restoration of windows - major local mending will be required on the windows, some of the hinges, handles, vents etc. will be replaced with replicas made to the original pieces. In the end the surfaces will be treated in accordance with the results of the later survey of the original surface finishes without bleaching the entire surface.
2.2.18 Tin Products
The roof will be replaced entirely, including the attics, the brick rails (sills) at the terraces will be regenerated. All related tin elements will be replaced according to a detailed plan that will be prepared by a roof specialist at the next design stage. Rolled "T" profiles along the top of the attic, which are presently clad in copper sheet as the steel sheet had been said to crack, will be covered in a special bitumen foil, of which one side is of steel. The surface will therefore be identical with the historic surface but it will be possible to weld the roof insulation to the foil. The resistance against cracks should also be improved.
Tin outlets (from the 1980s) will be removed and replaced with new patinated ones. Window sills are made of steel sheets on frames made of steel rolled profiles and steel sheets. They were replaced in the 1980s. These will be replaced with identical ones.
Two new lift platforms are designed for the entrance for handicapped on the 2nd and 1st floor from the Èernopolní street. They run along the staff staircase and meet the requirements of the public notice no. 369/2001.
2.2.20 Plasters
The exterior plasters will be restored completely.
Inside, about 15% of the surface area is considered for repairs of the existing damage and interventions (electrical wiring). Newly executed plasters will have to be retouched into the original surfaces. It is to be considered whether the original smoothen plasters in the representative rooms will be presented as the original or covered by copies.
2.2.21 Paints
The finish of surfaces is subject to the survey by Professor Hammer. When this survey and other surveys have been completed, the restoration of surfaces will be designed, including particular paints and coatings (in places where they were originally used).
2.2.22 Building in Interior Elements in the Ground Floor
See a separate part of this design prepared by the RaW Studio.
2.2.23 Outdoor Fencing
The fence in front of the Villa facing the Èernopolní street consists of an underpinning wall and a special metal wire filling in steel frames. The steel elements are partially original (gas welded), partially from the 1980s (electricity welded). The steel appears to be in a rather satisfactory condition, there are some corroded places. We propose to restore the original fence and provide it with an anti-corrosion treatment (zinc-plating of cleaned parts). New parts of the fence (from the 1980s) will be replaced with replicas made to the preserved parts including the anti-corrosion treatment (zinc-plating). The underpinning wall, including the section forming the supporting wall between the street and the garden, is proposed to be gently sand-blasted and mended by way of a technology for the regeneration of concrete elements and treated with the final uniform color coating.
The garden is fenced with wire fencing, placed on a concrete underpinning wall on the sides, without an underpinning wall at the bottom and with a temporary opening gate (of wire). The fencing is to be less visible, so that it does not obstruct the garden architecture. The wire fencing and the posts and supports are in varying conditions, painted in corroded brown synthetic coating, in some places corroded and inaccessible, in some places the fencing is loose and detached. The fence on the sides is almost completely inaccessible as the plants have grown through it.
Since the life expectancy of all elements related to the Villa is to be as long as possible after the regeneration, we propose to replace the existing fencing including posts with classic zinc-plated wire fencing with an appropriate green or brown coating (alternatively patinated zinc-plated wire fence), in the bottom section without an underpinning wall but sunk into a groove in the ground (to prevent animals from burrowing under the fence); the underpinning walls on both sides are to be repaired by way of the technology for the repair of concrete structures and provided with a uniform color coating. In order to facilitate the repair, existing plants will have to be trimmed in the area of about 60cm from the fence. The plants will grow back to the newly repaired fence soon. In the bottom part there will be two small opening sections for alternative access from the Drobného street.
2.2.24 Outdoor Staff Staircase, Terrace and Supporting Wall
The outdoor staff staircase including the supporting wall on the Villa side is believed to be original and is in a rather good condition. The staircase itself will be grounded or sand-blasted and mended by way of the technology for the regeneration of old damaged concrete. The surface will be provided with a uniform coating with an addition of pigment in the cement or coated with a thin layer thereof and hydrofobized.
The staircase supporting wall and landing from the Villa direction is made of fair-face concrete that is damaged in some places and through which ground dampness probably raises and causes the surface frost erosion. The inappropriate coating will be removed from the wall, it will be sand-blasted, drilled under the terrain level to provide for water drainage (see below) and repaired by way of the same technology as the staircase. The supporting wall on the edge of the parcel will be sand-blasted, regenerated and mended by adding an integral layer of fair-face concrete containing additives for improved adhesion and durability. On this occasion a rail system for the lifting platform for the handicapped will be fixed to the wall.
The terrace at the street level will be addressed together with other terraces forming roofs to rooms.
The poured terazza on the 2nd floor terrace (main living area) is not a preserved original, as documented in a photograph. It will be removed together with the sand or earth fill below. A concrete gutter will be formed along the whole terrace width, positioned in a gravel bed. This gutter will be properly insulated, the insulation will be extended to the peripheral wall and a drain will be placed in the inclined bottom. The existing supporting walls will be drilled under the terrace level and these openings will end in the drain. The drain will end in the sewer under the terrace. The whole gutter will be provided with a geo-textile coating and covered in gravel to level. Subsequently, the atypical concrete tiles will be put in place according to period photographs. These measures should stop the water from climbing through the Villa walls and gathering behind the supporting walls and soaking through them. The gutter should be deep enough to ensure that the bottom will not freeze and the drainage system will always be functioning.
2.2.25 Sidewalk outside the Villa
After relocating the low-voltage cable, bringing the power to the information post with bell buttons and piling, classic sidewalk concrete tiles 300x300 will be placed in the 8/16 gravel in a diamond pattern. In the garage entrance area the tiles will be laid in concrete.
The information post (with electronic lock, camera, bells and postbox) will be situated in the green area adjacent the sidewalk, in front of the staff entrance.
The present derivative trees (ash tree and blackthorn) will be removed from the green area dividing the sidewalk and the road and they will be replaced with grown-up acacias (see a separate part of the design).
On two public light poles on the opposite side of the street wireless security cameras will be situated to monitor the Villa as well as the area in front of it. They will also be connected to the City Police.
2.2.26 Trelage
The façades of the Villa are to be designed by a garden architect to a separate part of the design based on historic sources. It is to be covered in climbing plants gradually. At first it is possible to use for example bamboo sticks anchored in the ground. Some time later, however, it will be necessary to provide for the trelage. At the moment the plan is to use metal cords anchored in the ground and in the façade, using a very gentle method. For more details see a separate part of this design "Garden and Public Area in front of the Villa".
2.2.27 Garden – Lights, Cameras
The garden is subject to a separate part of this design. From the construction point of view, the outdoor reflectors pointed at the Villa and the garden will be removed, including the concrete poles. They will be replaced with outdoor sockets for mobile lights situated on steel pipe poles 40mm in diameter, 60cm above the ground (protection against snow and high growing grass). In two cases outdoor security cameras will be positioned above the sockets on the posts, watching the garden façade.
2.3. Technical Utilities
2.3.1 Water Supply
The building is connected to the municipal water main. The polyethylene connection pipe is in a good condition. Visible pipes will be replaced with new ones, similar to the original (zinc-plated) ones including bandage and visible fittings. Pipes situated in walls will be replaced with stainless steel ones in order to postpone the next refurbishment as much as possible without the need to re-open the walls.
Hot water for heating will be prepared in a storage heater of a modern exchanger station.
Distribution pipes with historic appearance (including circulation) will be placed in historic ducts (with the exception of several very short connections to new fixtures).
Details are provided in the sanitary – technical part of the design.
2.3.2 Sewage
The building is connected to the municipal sewage system (in the Drobného street) that ends in the municipal waste water treatment plant. The horizontal and vertical sewers will be replaced or placed in original ducts. Historically identical material will be used – alloy and stoneware on the outside. If the condition of some vertical sewers is identified as satisfactory during the execution, they will remain in their place. In exceptional cases, where the replacement would require too much demolition work (under original air-conditioning technology), the existing pipes will be provided with a plastic inlay.
The stoneware connection cutting across the garden in the direction of the Drobného street was newly built in the 1980s and is in a satisfactory condition. It will be cleaned and used in the future. Details are provided in the sanitary – technical part of the design.
2.3.3 Heating
Hot-water heating has been designed, the heating technology will be a modern designer exchanger station. Original coke-fired boilers and a historical hot water reservoir will be installed but only as theoretically functioning display items. Distribution will be executed along the original routes (including the heating duct) and in visible places, in order to maintain the authentic spirit of the gravity system, they will be in zinc-plated pipes including historical bandage. Visible fittings will be repaired historical items. Radiators will be in alloy, made to the original ones with historical regulation valves.
The exchanger station will regulate the heating water temperature on the basis of an equithermal regulation. The regulation at radiators in the rooms will not be possible, in order to maintain the authenticity. The system will be slow in responding to the changes in temperature due to the changes in the sun shining and will require skilled manual operators. From the modern perspective it is not very comfortable but it is authentic.
Rooms for the passage of visitors will be heated to 18ºC or less, exhibition and documentation centre rooms will be heated to 20º C, offices will be heated to 22ºC .
Details are described in the design part "Central Heating".
2.3.4 Gas Installations
Gas distribution is subject to very demanding contemporary safety regulations and this is why it cannot be executed in an authentic way. For this reason gas will no longer be distributed in the building. Existing gas pipes will end at the building connection. All internal pipes will be removed.
Details are described in the design part "Gas Installations".
2.3.5. Electrical Installations
The existing connection and electricity meter box on the façade will be removed and relocated to its original place on the interior wall of the installation tunnel. In order to prevent problems with electrical connections on an inaccessible part of the Villa façade, the connection will be executed in the sidewalk outside the Villa and the cable to the electricity meter will follow the original route from the 1930s. It will be possible to read the meter at any time, since the staff or security guards will be always present in the Villa.
Since the electrical installations executed in the 1980s are in a good condition, they will be preferred. Where new partition walls are to be removed and electrical wiring is situated in them or where appliances are to be relocated – such as lamps or sockets – new wiring will be provided but the historical routes from the 1930s will be preferred (as in the original documentation or where signs of such appliances are marked on the spot). In other places the shortest possible route will always be preferred. The switchboard dimensions will be optimized. They are required by the contemporary regulations and will be placed as decided by the monument care authorities, i. e. in white metal boxes of the smallest possible size. The number and visibility of connecting boxes will be reduced to minimum. Those remaining in their place for operation reasons, will be provided with metal sheet covers.
Details are described in the design part "Electrical Installations".
Low-voltage installations will be new, provided that wireless technology will be preferred as well as existing routes and ducts, the operation part of the building, original heating ducts and floors where the cement is to be replaced. Among other things electronic fire alarm will be installed (an absolutely modern technology without visible sensors is being proposed), electronic security alarm including a perimetric protection and outdoor camera system will be installed (in this respect we tried to find a balance between function and limitation of visible elements), a data network including wireless, etc. The camera system will be connected to the City Police and the security panel in the building.
The existing telephone cable will be used and its route will be further used for the cable television data network and as an alternative internet cable connection. The existing wireless connection to the user network will be maintained.
Details are described in the design part "Low-Voltage Wiring".
2.3.6 Air-Conditioning
The original air-conditioning will be restored as one of the technology monuments and it will be brought into operation including the sprinkle chilling and air heating with the exchanger. Two modern branches will be removed. It is necessary to point out that the original sprinkle chilling is not as comfortable as the modern compressor chilling. This is why on hot days the quality of chilling will not be the best. The regulation, in line with the original concept, is manual and a skilled staff member (such as a study and documentation centre officer) will always have to be present.
In the exhibition area with the occasional lecture room for a limited number of audience (up to 30 persons) natural airing is considered through the existing ventilation windows in the basement. It is necessary to take advantage of the draught caused by the opening of two opposite ventilation windows and doors between both exhibition and documentation centre areas or both entrance doors.
The newly installed interior toilet boxes for the exhibition and documentation centre visitors will be ventilated into the existing vent ended above the Villa roof. Besides, the original system of vents will remain in full operation.
Details are described in the design part "Air-Conditioning".
2.3.7 Concept and Coordination of Professions
With regard to the project importance the chief engineer had a major influence on the concept of all professions. Some technical details were consulted in order to find the best solution for the monument and its use. Part of this design stage is a coordination situation of technical networks, attached are coordination plans of internal piping. The coordination will be brought forward to the next design stage.
2.4. Fire Safety
The fire safety is addressed in the fire safety report prepared by a specialist and it is part of the design documentation.
2.5. Garden, Foliage
The garden, in line with an approved study, will be restored to its original condition as when it was used by the Tugendhat family. This applies to the plants that will be partially replaced with more suitable types, paths whose routes will be slightly modified and their composition will also be replaced with more suitable materials (threshing floor-type). New terraces and surfaces will be created following the original design. The grown-up trees in front the of the Villa in the Èernopolní trees will be replaced with more genuine acacias. In the next stage a design will be prepared for the conservatory entrance and solitary mobile plants in the interior will be proposed. Details are addressed in a separate part of this design.
2.6. Interior, Fittings
This part of the design is not relevant for the building permit but it is attached to the design documentation for the sake of completion and for further reference of the monument care authorities. Details of the original interior renewal and new interior design of operation rooms, exhibition and display centre are part of a separate document.
2.7. Stock
This part of the design is not relevant for the building permit. It is an extensive database of all structural elements including any sub-elements provided that for each element or sub-element an A4 card is prepared containing all useful information (including photographs). In the next stage information will be added on the proposed design of the relevant element or sub-element. This part of the documentation is rather bulky and this is why only one copy of the design documentation will contain the printed documentation as a separate attachment. This copy will be used to obtain the statement by the monument care authorities. Only a list of the cards is attached to other copies.
Brno, 5 January 2006
Prepared by:
Dipl Ing. Vítek Tichý
Dipl. Ing. arch. Marek Tichý
Dipl. Ing. arch. Zdenìk Pøibyl,
OMNIA projekt, s.r.o.,
lead association partner
Association for the Tugendhat Villa