The first thing you’ll see when arriving by train in Řevnice is the newly reconstructed community center. Initiated by the director of the local Elementary Art School (ZUŠ), the centre was envisioned in the old 19th-century railway warehouse, which had long been out of use. The railway sold the deteriorated building to the town 15 years ago, giving the warehouse, known as Dřevák, a second chance at life — an example of adaptive reuse that reflects C2T’s green transformation principles.
Revitalizing the Old Railway Warehouse Using Shipping Containers
The Dřevák is located along the first railway track, featuring wooden loading ramps on its long sides and a massive stone ramp at its front, historically used for transferring bulk commodities. It is a simple, single-tract wooden structure with a gabled roof and prominent overhangs.
The revitalization required adjustments and the construction of essential facilities. Given the original building’s hall-like design, architects aimed to preserve the charm of its unified space without overwhelming it. The needed facilities were therefore built outside the main building, utilizing repurposed shipping containers. “We searched for a form of complementary structures that would clearly distinguish the old from the new. It was also crucial to conceptually connect these additions to the original warehouse. Shipping containers are like large packages for goods, and hundreds of them pass by Dřevák on freight trains in Řevnice. Their steel shell corresponds to the railway, and their function relates to the original purpose of Dřevák as a warehouse,” explained architect Šárka Sodomková. Using containers symbolically refers to contemporary transport methods, preserving and somewhat reinventing the atmosphere of a transport hub, which this railway warehouse used to be.
“The advantage of containers was their fixed dimensions, as well as how building authorities viewed them—as reconstructions. This ultimately allowed us to minimize the required facility spaces and keep construction costs under control,” added Sodomková. Containers also offer flexibility in time and space, allowing potential additions or expansions according to current needs.
Preserving the Genius Loci with a New Purpose
The goal of the reconstruction was to maintain the character of the original building, including its spacious interior. Certain parts of the century-old structure had to be disassembled, with wooden and stone elements either refurbished or replaced. New thermal insulation was added to the floor, roof, and some walls, where allowed by the original wooden cladding. “We preserved the original materials and details as much as possible. New elements always connect to the railway and goods transport, both in material and form,” said Sodomková. Thanks to the architects’ work, the spacious interior of the wooden structure has been preserved without significant visible changes.
A new entrance was created by adding another repurposed shipping container, which now serves as a new focal point. It provides space for the entrance area, a small bar, and a gallery upstairs for storing chairs. A new fireplace encased in steel plating with rounded edges was installed in the main hall. The perforated steel sheathing around the heat pipe ties into the railway theme. The fireplace uses wood from the municipal forest, while rainwater from the roof is collected in a tank for irrigating nearby ornamental flower beds and greenery.
A New Community and Public Space
Three additional refurbished shipping containers serve as facilities for the main cultural hall and are positioned separately next to the building. Their steel trapezoidal cladding contrasts with Dřevák’s original wooden planks yet complements the railway cars that still pass by. The containers are insulated, with windows featuring rounded corners reminiscent of trains. Each container has a distinct color scheme repeated in its interior.
The front and side ramps were transformed into accessible spaces for seating, effectively connecting the structure to its surroundings and establishing it as a public space. The entire outdoor area of Dřevák, with seating options under the roof or in the open air, has become a popular spot for locals to relax even outside of scheduled events. Its convenient location near the train station, regional bus hub, parking lot, and town center further adds to its appeal.
Currently owned by the town, Dřevák is managed by the Elementary Art School, hosting exhibitions, concerts, discussions, weddings, neighbourly gatherings, bazaars, and more. These activities could be further enhanced through digital tools—such as online event platforms, hybrid programming, and digital storytelling—offering new opportunities for community engagement in line with C2T’s digital transformation goals. Collaboration between architects, the town, and locals has proven highly effective, making Dřevák a living example of how cultural infrastructure can evolve sustainably and inclusively.
Photos: BoysPlayNice
Author of text: Adriána Henčeková, BizGarden Ltd., Czech Republic
Published on thematic portal: https://www.asb.sk/architektura/nasledujuca-zastavka-komunitne-centrum-drevak
Share the article