Converting existing buildings into public libraries presents architectural challenges that differ from new construction. The IGI Library in Vratislavice nad Nisou, Czech Republic, transforms a former Roman Catholic rectory into a modern town library with a contemporary extension. Built on an 852 square meter plot with 1,247 square meters of usable floor area, the project was completed in 2021 by Atelier atakarchitekti at a cost of 3,440,000 euros. The design connects the original rectory building to a new library wing through a basement link and a first-floor bridge, creating a unified public space that respects the historic context while delivering modern library services. The integration of built-in custom library wall systems into the exposed concrete and masonry interiors demonstrates how shelving can become an integral architectural element rather than an afterthought.
The IGI Library occupies a site adjacent to a château garden, and the architects oriented the new structure to maximize views of this green space through large glass walls on both ground and upper floors. The project also created a new piazzetta, or small public square, inspired by the rhythm of small squares found near public buildings in the surrounding neighborhood. This public space forms a transition zone between the library and the château garden, encouraging outdoor reading and community gatherings.
Adaptive Reuse of Historical Buildings for Public Libraries
The rectory building that houses part of the IGI Library has served multiple purposes over its history including an orphanage, a kindergarten, and a vocational school. Each prior use left its mark on the building’s layout and infrastructure. The conversion to a library required reconfiguring the interior to meet modern accessibility standards, creating open reading areas from what were once small classrooms, and upgrading all building systems to handle the electrical and data demands of a 21st-century library. The use of aluminum composite material panels in modern architecture informed the design of the new extension’s facade, which complements the historic rectory without imitating it.
Assessing Existing Building Condition
Before design work began, the project team conducted a thorough condition survey of the rectory building. The assessment covered the structural integrity of stone and brick masonry walls, the condition of roof timbers, the capacity of existing foundations, and the presence of hazardous materials such as lead paint or asbestos. The survey informed the decision to retain the rectory’s exterior envelope while completely reconfiguring the interior layout for library use.
Common Issues Found in Historical Rectory Conversions
| Issue | Frequency in Historic Buildings | Remediation Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Inadequate floor load capacity for library shelving | High | Selective reinforcement with steel beams below slab |
| Outdated electrical panels with insufficient circuits | Very high | Complete replacement with modern distribution board |
| Non-compliant stair widths and step geometry | Moderate | Stair replacement or addition of new circulation core |
| Single-glazed windows with poor thermal performance | High | Restore frames, install double glazing with low-E coating |
| Lack of accessible entrance for mobility-impaired users | Very high | New ramp or lift installation at principal entrance |
Structural Integration of Old and New Construction
The IGI Library project connects the existing rectory to a new contemporary library wing through both a basement-level link and a first-floor bridge. This dual connection allows visitors to move between old and new spaces without passing through outdoor areas, while maintaining the visual distinction between the two structures. The excavation for the basement link required careful shoring to protect the rectory’s existing foundations. Large portals in the new wing bring natural light into the lower level, and the excavated pit created space for the new piazzetta at grade level. This approach to blending heritage and modern construction parallels the ambitions of the proposed shipwreck tower project in the Czech Republic, where new structures must coexist with historical context.
Foundation Design for Adjacent Structures
Building a new structure immediately adjacent to an existing historical building requires careful foundation engineering. The new library wing at IGI used a reinforced concrete foundation system designed to transfer loads to stable bearing strata without causing differential settlement in the rectory. Monitoring points were installed on both structures to track any movement during and after construction.
Construction Sequence for Adjacent Building Work
- Install temporary shoring and underpinning along the existing rectory foundation wall adjacent to the new construction
- Excavate the new basement level in stages, monitoring existing wall movement after each excavation increment
- Pour new foundation slab and walls with watertight construction joints at the interface with existing structure
- Backfill and compact around new foundations before beginning above-grade work on the new wing
- Connect the existing and new structures at basement level once differential settlement has stabilized
Interior Design for Modern Library Functions
The IGI Library’s interior combines exposed concrete, brick masonry, and stone walls with warm wooden sedilia and bookshelves. The reading room on the first floor features an arched roof that creates a dramatic spatial experience, with a panoramic window offering treetop views of the château garden. The ground floor houses the reception area, children’s section, and a terrace that extends the library outdoors. In designing library interiors, the principles used for tilt-up concrete panel forms demonstrate how exposed concrete can provide both structural function and aesthetic finish without additional cladding, reducing construction cost and material use.
Zoning Library Spaces by Activity Type
- Quiet reading zones on upper floors with carpeted surfaces and acoustic ceiling panels to absorb sound
- Active children’s areas on the ground floor with durable, cleanable surfaces and direct outdoor access
- Community meeting rooms with sliding partitions for flexible event space configuration
- Digital media zones with variable lighting levels to reduce screen glare on computer workstations
- Staff work areas with separate circulation routes for book processing and administrative tasks
Shelving and Storage Systems for Public Libraries
Library shelving must balance accessibility, capacity, and visual clarity. The IGI Library uses custom wooden shelving that follows the geometry of the exposed masonry walls, integrating storage into the architecture rather than treating it as separate furniture. Mobile shelving systems in the basement maximize storage capacity for less frequently accessed materials. The financial planning involved in outfitting a library collection and space compares with money management and financial planning principles for remodeling projects, where budgets must account for both visible finishes and behind-the-scenes infrastructure.
Material Palette for Public Cultural Buildings
The material selection for the IGI Library emphasizes durability, warmth, and connection to the site’s history. Exposed concrete provides thermal mass that stabilizes indoor temperatures, while brick and stone masonry walls recall the rectory’s original construction. Wooden elements add tactile warmth to reading areas and reduce the acoustic reverberation that would otherwise occur in concrete and masonry spaces. The experience gained from working with these materials in a public building context echoes the collected wisdom from veteran carpenters for better interior finishing, where material handling and installation techniques directly affect the final appearance.
Concrete Finishes for Interior Exposed Surfaces
Exposed concrete in library interiors requires careful specification to achieve consistent color, texture, and surface quality. The IGI Library used a class 2 architectural concrete finish with closely spaced formwork joints that align with the structural grid. Form release agents were selected to avoid staining, and all visible surfaces received a clear sealer to prevent dusting and simplify maintenance. Defects such as honeycombing or bug holes were repaired with matched-color mortar before the sealer was applied.
Concrete Finish Classification for Interior Use
| Finish Class | Surface Profile | Typical Applications | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (basic) | Visible form marks, minor surface imperfections | Utility areas, basements, service rooms | 1.0x |
| Class 2 (architectural) | Minimal surface defects, aligned formwork joints | Public reading rooms, circulation spaces | 1.3x |
| Class 3 (premium) | Near-perfect surface with polished or textured finish | Featured walls, entrance lobbies | 1.8x |
Lighting and Daylighting in Library Spaces
Public libraries require carefully balanced lighting that supports reading, computer use, and browsing while creating a welcoming atmosphere. The IGI Library uses large glass walls on both ground and upper floors to bring daylight deep into the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. The panoramic window in the first-floor reading room provides contact with the treetops of the château garden, creating a visual connection that reduces the perceived density of the interior space. The daylighting strategy for this library has parallels with the Portland Library operations center adaptive reuse project, where natural light was a key design driver in converting an industrial building into a public facility.
Electric Lighting Strategy for Mixed-Use Library Zones
- Install LED pendant fixtures with adjustable color temperature from 3000K (warm) to 4000K (neutral) for reading areas
- Use indirect cove lighting along shelving aisles to reduce glare on book spines and improve title readability
- Provide task lighting at each study carrel with individual dimmer controls for user preference
- Integrate daylight harvesting sensors in perimeter zones to dim artificial lights when sufficient natural light is available
- Specify emergency lighting with battery backup that meets egress illumination requirements for public assembly spaces
Acoustic Considerations for Library Reading Rooms
The combination of concrete, masonry, and large glass surfaces in the IGI Library creates potential acoustic challenges. Sound-absorbing materials were incorporated into the arched roof of the reading room, and the wooden bookshelves themselves act as diffusers that break up sound reflections. Carpet tiles in quiet zones reduce footfall noise, while the children’s area on the ground floor uses rubber flooring that absorbs impact sounds. The result is a library where different activity zones have distinct acoustic characters that support their intended uses.
The IGI Library demonstrates that converting a historic rectory into a modern public library is achievable when the design team respects the existing building’s character while introducing contemporary spatial concepts. The 1,550 square meter gross floor area now serves the Vratislavice community with reading rooms, digital media facilities, and public gathering spaces that were not possible in the separate buildings that previously occupied the site.