CHYBIK + KRISTOF revives birthplace of modern genetics with 'mendel's greenhouse'

Preserving History and Cultivating Community

Architecture studio CHYBIK + KRISTOF (CHK) announces the completion of Mendel’s Greenhouse, a remarkable tribute to the renowned scientist and abbot Gregor Mendel and his groundbreaking work in genetics. Located in the heart of Brno, Czech Republic, this innovative glass and steel structure draws inspiration from Mendel’s drawings of the hereditary system, paying homage to his legacy while embracing the principles of modern architecture.

Mendel’s Greenhouse engages in a dialogue with the original 19th-century greenhouse of St. Augustin Abbey in Brno, an historical site that holds significant importance as the birthplace of Mendel’s pioneering experiments. The revival of this greenhouse by CHK serves as a pavilion of genetics, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Mendel’s birth and establishing a profound connection between past and present.

images © Laurian Ghinitoiu | @laurianghinitoiu

a greenhouse to honor mendel’s legacy

Built by CHYBIK + KRISTOF, the luminous new ‘Mendel’s Greenhouse’ is backdropped by the centuries-old Abbey and acts as a bridge between modernity and the site’s heritage. While celebrating local history, the Greenhouse also fulfills a crucial role as a public space, fostering social dialogue within the community. CHK’s redesign of the historic greenhouse demonstrates the architects‘ commitment to spatial transformations and adapting existing structures to meet the needs of the modern era. By honoring Mendel’s legacy, this architectural masterpiece creates a sense of belonging and invites a new social dialogue to flourish in the community.

A Center of Science, Culture, and Connection

Mendel’s Greenhouse by CHYBIK + KRISTOF continues the Abbey’s legacy as a center of science and culture, serving multiple purposes for its community. Its fully exposed glass structure and open side walls eliminate visual barriers, seamlessly integrating with the lush greenery outside the monastery. This design choice encourages visitors to connect with their heritage and discover the captivating world of genetics. The Greenhouse primarily functions as a permanent exhibition of Gregor Mendel’s legacy, while also hosting a wide range of cultural events such as international conferences, lectures, and exhibitions.

Inspired by archival materials and the original scheme of the building, CHK’s design preserves the heritage value of the structure while infusing it with a contemporary narrative. Following the original ground plan, the new greenhouse seamlessly blends into the existing urban fabric, mirroring the orientation, shape, and distinct roof of its predecessor.

A significant aesthetic and functional element of the design is the reimagined supporting steel roof structure, which draws inspiration from Mendel’s three laws of inheritance. The steel framing, resembling nodes and branches, engages in direct dialogue with Mendel’s laws, particularly the concept of hereditary segregation. Through the transparency of the glass roof, the structure embodies Mendel’s invaluable contributions to modern science, both functionally and aesthetically.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

CHK’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly design is evident in every aspect of Mendel’s Greenhouse. The architects utilize simple, cost-efficient, and recyclable materials like steel, emphasizing their dedication to creating sustainable structures. The installation of low-carbon cooling and heating systems, achieved through a concealed structure of heat pumps, further reinforces the greenhouse’s eco-conscious design.

Underground heat pumps, shading, and heating systems regulate the building’s temperature, providing natural cooling and ventilation during the summer and efficient heating during the winter. This approach mirrors the regulative properties of a greenhouse, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.