Amidst the quaint streets of Hrubá Skála, a village in the Liberec region, emerges a creative take on integrating a modern architectural marvel within a historically rich neighbourhood.

Here, a contemporary weekend house designed by NEW HOW architects harmonizes beautifully with the idyllic landscape of the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area. The design challenges conventions by combining modernity with tradition, offering a space that feels innovative and deeply connected to its natural and cultural surroundings.

This project, aptly named the Weekend House in Bohemian Paradise, is a compelling exploration of architectural creativity. The house occupies a plot shaped by a gentle slope on the southern periphery of the village center, where historical and modern family houses coexist. The choice to build here was not merely an architectural decision but a reflection of the intent to provide a seamless retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The house draws inspiration from the region's vernacular architecture while making a deliberate departure into contemporary aesthetics.

The house's layout is crafted to mirror the elongated form of the plot, with a wide-open "V" shape that enhances the panoramic views of the Bohemian Paradise landscape. This deliberate design choice maximizes the captivating scenery and allows the living spaces to engage fully with the surrounding environment. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking view of the south-facing panorama framed by the ruins of the medieval castle Trosky, a poignant reminder of the region's rich historical tapestry.

An Architectural Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

The Weekend House’s single-story structure features a gable roof, a nod to the region's architectural heritage. However, the house’s longitudinal, bent configuration introduces a modern twist. This thoughtful blend of styles highlights the architects' ability to create a dialogue between traditional and contemporary design. The interiors echo this philosophy with a balance of natural materials and modern finishes, where wooden CLT panels form the main structure, supported by a wooden truss for the roof. The material palette remains consistent throughout the interior, promoting a serene and cohesive aesthetic.

The living spaces, including a spacious main living room with an inserted mezzanine floor, a children's room, and a bedroom, are oriented to embrace the natural light and offer sweeping views of the landscape. A terrace seamlessly extends the living areas into the outdoors, reinforcing the notion of indoor-outdoor living. Here, every room is a sanctuary, designed to evoke a sense of calm and connection with the natural world.

Engineering Feats on Unstable Ground

One of the most striking elements of this architectural project lies in its engineering accomplishments. The plot, previously deemed unbuildable due to its unstable slope, required an innovative foundation solution. The house is anchored on eighteen piles, each with a diameter of 800 mm, exemplifying a technical achievement that merges aesthetic aspirations with practical engineering. The visible basement walls, built from concrete blocks and lined with local stone, further root the structure within its natural terrain, ensuring it feels like an intrinsic part of the landscape.

The roof, covered with dark-coloured metal templates laid diagonally, adds to the rustic yet modern aesthetic while ensuring durability and resistance to the elements. The choice of materials and construction techniques is a testament to design innovation and the meticulous care taken to harmonize the house into its environment.

AN ILLUSTRATION OF Thoughtful Design

The Weekend House in Bohemian Paradise celebrates thoughtful design that respects its historical context while embracing contemporary comfort. It is where one can retreat from the modern world, reconnect with nature, and experience a blend of architectural heritage and innovation. The house's design, which effortlessly balances the old and the new, is a beacon of possibilities when creativity meets respect for tradition.

PROJECT DETAILS

Studio: NEW HOW architects | Instagram

Author: David Zámečník (dzamecnik@newhow.archi)

Location: Hrubá Skála, Liberec Region

Country: Czech Republic

Completion: 2023

Built-up area: 125 m²

Usable floor area: 114 m²

Plot size: 2758 m²

Photographer: Petr Polák, petr@petrpolakstudio.cz

Collaborator:

General construction contractor: Stavix
Piles contractor: Geoindustrie