ESCAPE THE CITY || The Garden Pavilion Offers a Serene Sanctuary in Prague
Have you ever just needed a moment to yourself to retreat from the busyness of everyday life?
The Garden Pavilion is the perfect hideaway. Nestled in a mature garden near the Vltava River, this intimate sanctuary designed by BYRÓ architekti offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle without having to leave its boundaries.
Aerial view of the Garden Pavilion.
Embracing Simplicity and Nature
The Garden Pavilion, completed in 2023, stands as a testament to minimalist design and functionality. With a built-up area of just 16 square meters, the structure serves as a cozy retreat, perfect for leisurely afternoons or occasional overnight stays. The clients, Adam and Tereza Petrusek, envisioned a space that would allow them to maximize their time outdoors, even in adverse weather conditions.
The Garden Pavilion’s facade closed, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
The folding facade opens to reveal a cozy interior, perfect for relaxing and reading.
A Seamless Blend of Indoors and Outdoors
One of the pavilion's most striking features is its folding facade. The architects ingeniously designed a polycarbonate panel that, when open, transforms the interior into an extended outdoor space. This innovative mechanism, supported by steel cables and counterweights, allows a single person to effortlessly open the entire facade, creating a seamless transition between the interior and the lush garden. The panel also serves as a protective roof, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors even during rainy weather.
Inside, the pavilion is a haven of tranquillity. The wooden structure, built using the two-by-four construction system, features plastered interior walls and a rear wall lined with wood. This wall includes an integrated bookshelf and a ladder leading to an upper loft, which provides additional space for relaxation or storage. The wooden slats of the library and loft allow natural light to filter through, enhancing the sense of openness.
Interior view of the Garden Pavilion with its warm wooden finishes and inviting loft space.
A Cozy Library in the Garden
The Garden Pavilion is more than just a physical retreat; it is a mental escape as well. The space serves as an intimate library where one can lose oneself in a good book while being surrounded by nature. The thoughtfully designed interior, with its spruce wood walls and custom-made furniture, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The large round window offers a picturesque view of the garden, providing a perfect backdrop for reading or daydreaming.
Side view of the Garden Pavilion showcasing its unique architecture and design.
Sustainable and Self-Sufficient
In keeping with the spirit of sustainability, the pavilion is not connected to any utility networks. Instead, it relies on a photovoltaic panel for basic electricity, ensuring the space remains self-sufficient. The materials used in the construction are a mix of concrete, spruce wood, and polycarbonate, chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The facade's burnt wood finish, achieved through the traditional Japanese technique of shou-sugi-ban, adds a touch of rustic charm while protecting the wood from the elements.
The Garden Pavilion is a true gem, offering a serene escape within the urban jungle of Prague. Its thoughtful design and seamless integration with nature make it an ideal retreat for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors and find a moment of peace in their busy lives.
Project Details
Studio
Architects
Jan Holub
Tomáš Hanus
Project Location: Prague
Project Country: Czech Republic
Project Year: 2020
Completion Year: 2023
Built-up Area: 16 m²
Usable Floor Area: 20 m²
Plot Size: 5130 m²
Cost: 38 000 €
Photographer: Alex Shoots Buildings
Collaborator: Civil engineer - Viktor Bakstein