Double walls of the old castle in Celje | Gartner arhitekti

The roof of the building offered the unique opportunity to design an observation deck on two levels, following the height of the outer defensive wall.

The existing double walls of Celje’s Old Castle dictated the longitudinal design of a new multi-purpose space. The new prefabricated building, which is approximately 40m long, fills the outer bailey and extends from the castle entrance into the castle complex towards the west. The roof of the building offered the possibility of designing a viewing platform in two levels, following the height of the outer defensive wall. The new acquisition constructs from prefabricated steel on a concrete foundation slab. The existing walls on the northern side are slightly raised above the height of the building.

The building has three entries. The first is next to the main entrance into the castle complex, where there are ticket sales and information office. In the middle of the building, there is the second entrance with ramps and stairs which lead into the central part of the building, while the multi-purpose part can also be accessed from the outer bailey where the summer garden is located. Prefabricated elements that are independent of the load-bearing structure form the interior of the building. They are dilatated from the old walls and in combination with illumination produce an interesting spatial focus. The entrance parts are glazed.

The facility provides space for essential tourist services. At the entrance, there is an information office with ticket sales and a souvenir shop, followed by restrooms for visitors and employees. After that, there is a space for heating and serving food and a multi-purpose room. Individual parts of the building can be used independently and can be closed depending on operating hours or seasons. The facility could be appropriately heated when needed during winter and other cooler months.

The existing double walls of the old castle Celje dictated the longitudinal design.

The finished project is the result of successful, close cooperation with the Institute for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Celje.