TIBA Residential District

    The transformation of a neglected brownfield into a new, vibrant residential district

    The extensive area of the former TIBA spinning and weaving mill was built near the historic center of Beroun at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and remained in operation until 2002. The investor intends to transform this unused, neglected brownfield into an organic part of the city—a new district offering high-quality housing along with additional amenities. A unique feature of this new location is to provide attractive, safe living spaces in gardens among trees, free from the negative impact of automobile traffic. Due to the size of the area, gradual development is planned in multiple stages, moving westward from the city center.

    Author   Jiří Opočenský, Štěpán Valouch, Ondřej Králík

    Collaborators   Františka Chaloupková, Ondřej Suk, Matěj Štěpánek

    Landscape Architect   Terra Florida

    Design proposal    2022

    Zoning application   2023

    Location   Beroun

    Client   Brownfield Beroun

    Visualization   Dousek-Záborský

    The fundamental principle of the design is the diverse composition of spaces between the buildings, with a gradual hierarchy ranging from public to private areas. Along with parking located underground, this is a key quality that distinguishes the design from standard developments and nearby housing estates. The service streets to the north and south have an urban character, featuring entrances to individual buildings and access to underground garages. The small scale, street furniture, and proximity of entrances encourage neighborly interactions, a sense of belonging, and social oversight. A gate allows access to a semi-private garden, intended primarily for the residents of each building. All ground-floor apartments have front gardens, offering greater privacy and being protected by hedges.

    The design of the public spaces and landscape of the residential complex is based on the overall concept of the area, taking into account operational requirements, the needs of residents in the new apartment buildings, students who will pass through the area, and the needs of existing residents in the surrounding buildings. The aim is to make the transformation positive for everyone, providing outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. The goal is to create connectivity to important places and areas—the lookout tower, the church with its former cemetery, the new school complex, the Litavka River, and the skate park across the river, which connects to the cycling route and the educational trail “In the Footsteps of Czech Kings.” On the other side, the route links to the city center, Tyrš Stadium, and sports facilities, forming connections between significant sites and recreational areas.

    The new public spaces will create areas for gathering and form an open and safe environment with plenty of opportunities for active recreation, sports, and relaxation. A key aspect of the design is its sensitivity to the location and the commemoration of history—the Tiba factory and the older historical layers of the former mill with its millrace. We are strengthening the connections to the church’s sacred space and its former cemetery. From a landscape perspective, we propose different characteristics based on the use of the spaces, while maintaining the overall integrity of the Beroun landscape and its surroundings.

    IN NATURE

    The northernmost part of the area is characterized by its natural setting and visual connection to history. This space is designed for play and recreation, catering to both children and adults. It features two playgrounds with different surfaces, both hard and soft, providing opportunities for sports activities. This part of the neighborhood is also dog-friendly, with a fenced meadow dedicated to play and free movement for pets. A prominent vegetative element is the main avenue of large trees lining the road, with a focus on the historical buildings of the mortuary and church. Further away, groups of trees are arranged in a loose configuration, creating shaded areas for seating and relaxation.

    IN THE PARK

    The central connection within the new district is the park area, which surrounds a vividly colored main path. This path is accompanied by a watercourse that serves as a reminder of the local history and leads to water play areas in the eastern part of the park, where older children can enjoy activities like rope elements and swings. The path itself is a striking visual feature in the area. Along the path, there are hidden spots in the park’s nooks, offering benches and play elements for younger children.

    IN THE ORCHARD

    Between the buildings, visible from the windows and in close proximity, an orchard is growing. The regular arrangement of young trees introduces order and a human scale to the space. The orchard consists of cherry trees of various types. Some are purely ornamental with flowering, while others bear fruit, and all will display vibrant colors in the autumn. Their canopies provide shade and open space for movement along cleared paths in the meadow undergrowth. The orchard features areas with simple furnishings for neighborhood gatherings or evening barbecues, as well as spots with play elements for younger children. Open spaces encourage ball games and other activities.

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