A modern home will be built in Ostrava to provide a safe environment for children with autism and multiple disabilities. Located in a quiet part of the city, the building immediately stands out with its welcoming architectural design.
Architecture that protects and opens up
The shape of the building respects the character of the surrounding development and naturally responds to the access road, creating an enclosed courtyard. This makes the area safe, clear, and easy to navigate. In the design, we consciously worked with scale – instead of one large institution, the building is divided into four smaller households. Each has its own entrance and garden, making the environment feel more like family housing than a social facility.
Households instead of institutions
The concept is based on the idea of small communities. Four households, each for four children, create an intimate and calm environment where everyone has privacy while still being part of a community. The project also includes a respite care service, providing short-term relief for families in demanding situations.
A place for play and relaxation
Each household will have its own fenced garden. Green areas will be complemented by play and sensory elements that support movement, joy, and natural development. Inside, a special multisensory Snoezelen room will be created, using light, sound, and gentle stimuli to bring children peace and a sense of safety.
A house that thinks about the future
The new building is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
This project shows how architecture can sensitively respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and become a tool of genuine care and dignified living.
Author: Barbora Štefková & Alena ŽákováWith: Pavel KlusLocation: Ostrava [CZ] Type and year: 2025Visualizations:Mário Michalík
