Diorit Residence by Architekti DRNH: Sustainable Living Carved from a Former Quarry

Transforming an Abandoned Quarry into a Green Urban Oasis

The Diorit Residence, designed by Architekti DRNH, is a striking example of sustainable and contextual architecture that harmoniously blends modern living with the raw beauty of nature. Built on the site of a former diorite quarry at the border of Brno’s Komín and Bystrc districts, this project transforms an abandoned industrial plot into a vibrant residential enclave rooted in ecological awareness and design innovation.

Once a neglected industrial landscape, the site had gradually evolved into a biodiverse ecosystem over years of natural regeneration. Recognizing the unique potential of this terrain, the architects envisioned a residential complex that not only revitalizes the brownfield site but also preserves and enhances its natural characteristics. The name “Diorit” pays homage to the mineral once quarried from the very ground upon which the residence now stands.

Sustainable Urban Regeneration

The Diorit Residence is a powerful statement against unchecked urban sprawl. Instead of expanding into untouched greenfields, Architekti DRNH chose to redevelop a disused quarry, demonstrating that sustainable urban growth can coexist with environmental stewardship.

The architects successfully convinced local authorities and investors of the project’s ecological and urban relevance—transforming an environmental burden into a model of sustainable residential development. This redevelopment minimizes ecological disruption while promoting biodiversity restoration and responsible land use.

Architectural Design: A Dialogue Between Nature and Structure

Set within the rugged topography of the Svratka River valley, the building’s architectural form responds directly to the surrounding environment. The front façade acts as an acoustic barrier to the adjacent street, while the structure gently curves and terraces into the quarry’s slopes—blending seamlessly into the reclaimed landscape.

The exterior palette combines natural plaster tones, milk-profiled glass, and smooth curves punctuated by angular breaks. This interplay of materials and geometry reflects the geological story of the site, while the extensive greenery reinforces the symbiosis between architecture and nature.

Landscape design plays a crucial role. The architects preserved native vegetation along the rock walls, supported biodiversity through selective replanting, and established habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. The result is a living ecosystem woven into the residential fabric. A green roof park above the underground garage connects with the quarry’s vegetation, creating a microclimate that enhances comfort and ecological balance.

Luxurious yet Sustainable Living

Inside, the Diorit Residence offers a diverse range of apartments—from compact studio units to spacious four-room residences—all designed to maximize natural light, privacy, and views of the surrounding nature. Green terraces open toward the shared park, offering residents a tranquil living experience close to nature’s rhythm.

Corner apartments feature large rooftop terraces overlooking the Svratka valley, while communal spaces such as the reception area and commercial units add vibrancy and convenience to daily life.

Every apartment is equipped with a smart home system controlling ventilation, underfloor heating, and cooling—allowing residents to fine-tune comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

Construction and Material Integrity

The structure employs a combination of reinforced concrete walls, sand-lime brick blocks, and monolithic ceilings, ensuring durability and thermal efficiency. The underground parking area, framed in monolithic concrete, leaves sections of the natural rock exposed, celebrating the site’s geological origins.

Internally, shared spaces are designed for intuitive navigation, using color differentiation and clear zoning to create a sense of order and calm.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Innovation

Sustainability is embedded in every layer of the Diorit Residence. Classified as Energy Class A, the building utilizes deep-well heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store runoff for irrigation, while overflow during heavy rains is directed safely to the river—reducing strain on the municipal sewer network.

With its low operating costs, eco-friendly systems, and respect for the natural environment, Diorit Residence demonstrates how architecture can bridge the gap between urban living and ecological responsibility.

It stands as a model of how thoughtful design can reclaim the past, enrich the present, and sustain the future—all while maintaining aesthetic excellence.

Project Credits

• Architects: Architekti DRNH
• Lead Architects: Antonín Novák, Petr Valenta, Eduard Štěrbák
• Main Contractor: MORAVOSTAV Brno
• Electrical Installations: SITEL
• Manufacturers: Hansgrohe, Atena, DAFE, DEKMETAL, Forbo, GLASS Lines, HT Dveře, Imola, Kone, Nordlux, Schüco, TIGER Coatings, Weber, Wineo, Xella, Loxone
• Photography: © Petr Polák

All photographs are works of Petr Polák