Ever wonder what “Kocanda” means? Here at Kocanda Kravsko, the name translates from the German “Gott sei Dank”. In English, that’s “Thank God”.
Kocanda began as a Coach Inn. It sat on the route between Prague and Vienna. This baroque building later became part of a ceramics factory in the 19th century. The factory operated for many years.
However, by the nineties, production ended. The property fell into disrepair. Then, locals from Kravsko bought Kocanda. They are now redeveloping it for social events and agritourism. It’s great that the circle closes. Kocanda is regaining its original purpose.
Notice how the Kocanda building dominates the complex. It sits on hills near Kravsko close to Znojmo. This location offers distant views.
ORA architects renovated Kocanda carefully. Their aim was to restore the original building. They removed disturbances and created harmony. The architects restored original openings. They completed replicas of the original windows. They avoided making it look too new. That’s why the plasters are only repaired locally. This leads to the wild stains you see on the facade.
Inside Kocanda, the design is intentionally spartan. Yet it feels friendly. Authentic materials are kept. Look at the doors and the original ornamental wooden floor. The new floors are made of basalt and cement tiles. Original paintings are revealed in places.
Much of the furniture is old. Tables, cabinets, and chairs were reused. Even tables under wash-basins and cast iron bathtubs were repurposed. These were found across the country. They came from favorite antiquarians. You realize you are in an old house. The white walls offer a soothing balance.
Look around for the gypsum molds. Tons of these were found here. They were used for making ceramics. Many are no longer usable. Some exist in huge quantities. The architects hung them around Kocanda in various ways. These molds were once instruments of production. Now, they are displayed for their aesthetic. They remind us of the area’s history. They also give visitors insight into pottery creation.
The garden is divided into sections. In front of Kocanda, you can see a park. It features centuries-old Douglas firs. The landscaping reflects each area’s specific nature. Near the newest part, where there is a restaurant, sits a small production garden. The older factory section has a wilder arrangement. In the garden’s corner, there is a small lake. Rainwater from Kocanda’s roof fills it.
Kocanda consists of buildings from different times. Each had a different purpose. The owners are approaching each differently. They are breathing new life into this historic place. Kocanda is a place where history and modernity meet. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Kravsko.