Reviving a mountain legend

Ola Skorupa

04 of December '24

Project of a shelter in Kotlina in the Jizera Mountains

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w skrócie
The work by Wiktoria Maciejewska of Opole University of Technology revives the ruins of the Kesselschlossbaude complex in the Jizera Mountains. The project preserves the authenticity of the site by introducing functions such as a chalet, sauna, museum and viewing point. The new buildings harmonize with Sudeten architecture through local materials and modern technology. The adaptation of the ruins emphasizes the sensory experience of the space, from saunas with a view to interactive museum exhibitions. The complex provides a reflective space for tourists to rediscover the history and beauty of the Jizera Mountains. For more interesting information, visit the home page of the AiB portal

w skrócie

The work by Wiktoria Maciejewska of Opole University of Technology revives the ruins of the Kesselschlossbaude complex in the Jizera Mountains.
The project preserves the authenticity of the site by introducing functions such as a chalet, sauna, museum and viewing point.
The new buildings harmonize with Sudeten architecture through local materials and modern technology.
The adaptation of the ruins emphasizes the sensory experience of the space, from saunas with a view to interactive museum exhibitions.
The complex provides a reflective space for tourists to rediscover the history and beauty of the Jizera Mountains.
For more interesting information, visit the home page of the AiB portal

The master's thesis by Wiktoria Maciejewska from the Faculty of Architecture and Architecture at the Opole University of Technology, carried out under the supervision of Dr. Iwona Wilczek, restores the Kesselschlossbaude complex in the Jizera Mountains to its former glory. Located in the picturesque village of Kotlina, near the spa town of Świeradów-Zdrój, the site is undergoing a metamorphosis, combining its historical character with a modern approach to mountain tourism.

Historical and projected plan of the Kesselschlossbaude complex

heritage in ruins

Kesselschlossbaude, which was once one of the most beautiful resorts, has fallen into ruin over the years, which fascinates with its history and monumental character. Wiktoria Maciejewska emphasizes the need to protect this valuable monument, taking into account modern tourist needs. The ruins of the "Laundry" and "Zameczek" are an inspiration for the creation of a space that preserves authenticity while respecting the regional landscape and Sudetenland architecture.

site development plan

dialogue between past and present

The modern design strikes a balance between restoring the historic spirit of the site and adapting it to modern needs. The heart of the complex is the newly designed shelter, referencing the historic structure with a detached ground floor, a hipped roof with dormers and a solid covering reminiscent of the archetypal shelter. A transparent link, hovering above the ground, symbolizes contact with the surrounding nature.

axonometry, Chateau

Diverse functions of the complex

The adaptation of the ruins includes the introduction of complementary functions, such as a sauna, a museum and a lookout point, enriching the experience of male and female tourists. The new hostel has 11 rooms with 49 beds, while the hotel section offers nine rooms with 25 beds, some of which have been adapted for people with disabilities. The functional division of the space into hotel, hostel and connector refers to the original structure of the complex.

B-B cross-section

The design uses local materials characteristic of Sudeten architecture, such as glulam in the construction and modern standing seam metal facades. Shutters protect from the weather, while temporary objects made of wood emphasize respect for the natural surroundings.

diagram of the formation of the block

a sensual experience of space

Glazed saunas facing picturesque views and a recreational patio surrounded by ruins offer users and users a sensory experience. A museum pavilion with a flexible design allows for multimedia and traditional exhibitions, conveying the history of the Kesselschlossbaude in an innovative way. The vantage point, which also serves an orientation function, evokes the archetype of fire as a spatial dominant.

adaptation of the castle ruins

view of the main entrance

The design of the complex is not only about the buildings, but also about a thoughtful story. Visitors, moving through the successive buildings, gradually discover the history of Kesselschlossbaude. The reflective space is meant to inspire dialogue with the past, while offering modern recreational opportunities in the heart of the Jizera Mountains.