House inspired by cabins / Atelier Hajný

Text description provided by the architects. The client’s wish was to design a family home on the site of an original holiday cabin, which he had frequented since his childhood. It was clear that the cabin had to go, but its appearance partly influenced that of the new building. The new zoning plan for the entire area provides for the construction of family homes, so the cabins are gradually disappearing. We agreed with the client that due to the character of the area and the sentimental relationship with the original building, it would be appropriate to consider the appearance and shape of the old cabin.

An elongated plot of land on the edge of Říčany, near Prague, with an area of ​​820 m2, is limited on one side by a noise barrier, adjacent to a railway corridor. The east side is limited by an access road, the other sides are limited by existing plots with typical holiday cabins. While respecting the distance from the railway line and neighbors, it was necessary to design a compact family home comprising three housing units and a total net surface area of ​​approximately 180 m2. The functional layout divides the building into a service area to the north and a living area to the south.

The ground floor includes two studios with independent entrances, the entrance and technical part of the main apartment and a larger living room with kitchen. The upper floor includes bedrooms, an office and a bathroom of the main apartment. Emphasis was placed on maximizing the simplicity of the main volume. The gable ends are clearly defined triangles and are highlighted by light wood shade slats. The shape of the roof and its overhangs reflect the typical shapes of the original cabins, while providing shade to the south facade and protecting the terrace from the rain.

A cantilevered balcony, an “outdoor room” is created by the master bedroom, behind the shade slats. The materials are discreet and natural: charred wood on the exterior, CLT panels visible on the interior and furniture corresponding to the dark facade. The house is in a low consumption standard with electric underfloor heating and air conditioning with recovery.