Mountain reverie

Designed by Zdeněk Fránek, principal architect, Fránek Architects

From the architect: 

"To design a house within the pristine natural environment of Krkonoše or Giant Mountains, a mountain range located in the north of the Czech Republic was an exciting challenge, especially when it was for my long-standing friend and his young family, who love nature, art and life.

"The design of the house corresponds in size to the existing building, which has been standing in this protected area since ancient times. It is the only structure as far as the eye can see. The responsibility towards the circumstances and strict regulation gave an archetypal form. In addition, the investor required a sophisticated approach towards the space, which would be spiritually focused, unusual, and pure."

The house is inserted in a sloping terrain so that the basement has an entrance from the lower floor facing towards the outdoor pool. The main entrance and driveway are on the ground floor and the basement is made of reinforced concrete. The building comprises timber from the first floor upwards. 

The truss consists of four frames, glued laminated, complemented by three pairs of convexly curved elements for better use of space, acoustic comfort, and lighting strategy. Whilst the exterior of the building is fully clad with larch glued slats, including the roof, the interior is white and pure, including the floors. It serves as a white canvas for incorporating art.

One of the advantages of the house is its favourable economical use of the existing space. Over time, a carport equipped with solar panels as well as a vegetable greenhouse will be added.

"My experience with houses like this is that they are demanded by strong personalities who have their own idea of their direction, their place in this world and the values their family represents. The exteriors of such houses are characteristic with their artistic beauty and immersion into greenery. They express a kind of harmony with the universe – the understanding of their inhabitants that nothing lasts forever, but also the inimitability and irreplaceability of the present moment."

Designed by: Fránek Architects

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Petr Polák