PALACE OF THE VON BRAUCHITSCH FAMILY
ARCHITECTURE: MARTIN FRANTZ (1728)
2015 CHRÓSTNIK

The Baroque mansion in Chróstnik was built in 1723-28 as a result of the modernisation of a Renaissance manor house surrounded by a moat, belonging to the von Brauchitsch family. The transformation was commissioned by Georg Karl von Haugwitz and the designer was probably Martin Frantz. It was rebuilt in the mid-19th century and in the neo-Baroque style in 1905-07 by the Breslau architect Karl Grosser.

The rich architecture of the palace is based on various symmetrical compositions. The central part is finished with a decorative gable and side gables and vases. The whole of this part of the palace is characterised by the rich decoration and form of architectural details such as the balustrades of the terrace, pilasters, cornices, cartouche and fancifully bent canopies. The symmetrical layout of the central façade is emphasised by the driveway, framed by a balustrade and stone Baroque lanterns.

The building, which is currently being reconstructed, is under conservation protection, and as such, there are strict rules regarding, among other things, the positioning of the luminaires and the overall character of the illumination. It was agreed that the lighting of the building would emphasise its tectonics and natural beauty, and that the illumination would be subdued, without overly flooding the building with light or excessive contrast. The luminaires may not be placed on the facades of the building or on freestanding columns, but only on the grounds around the palace, on the terraces of the building, on the roofs of the associated buildings and in the stone lanterns of the bridges and driveway area.

The effect achieved is in keeping with the character and high culture of the restoration carried out, and the subtle illumination of the building does not compete with the sophisticated architecture of the palace.