NEW HOW architects designed a modern retreat in Hrubá Skála, Czech Republic, harmonizing with the Bohemian Paradise landscape. Completed in 2023, the weekend house balances traditional and contemporary elements. Set on a south-sloping plot, it mirrors the local architecture, offering panoramic views framed by the medieval Trosky castle ruins.
NEW HOW architects designed a modern weekend house on the edge of Hrubá Skála, a village in the Czech Republic known for its picturesque landscape in the Bohemian Paradise protected area. The house is constructed to respect and blend with the rich history and natural beauty of the region while providing a calm retreat connected with the surrounding environment.
“The sophisticated design of this house harmoniously combines traditional and modern elements, meeting the high standards set for contemporary living,” said the Czech practice.
The house sits on a gently sloping plot south of Hrubá Skála’s village centre, surrounded by both historical and modern family homes. The plot’s eclectic mix of architecture influences the design of the house, with traditional elements used and adapted to suit modern living.
In plan, the rectangular cottage takes the form of a wide-open V, a design decision dictated by the restricted shape of the plot, as well as to maximise views of the picturesque landscape. The house’s single-storey structure is topped by a gabled roof, echoing the area’s architectural heritage, but the house’s longitudinal bent mass adds a touch of modernity.
Upon entering the house from the northern access road, expansive views of the south-facing panorama and the ruins of the medieval Trosky castle are visible from the living spaces. The living room, children’s bedroom and main bedroom are all oriented towards these views, enhanced further by an outdoor terrace that connects the interior to the landscape.
The house’s construction utilises traditional materials, with the main building structure comprised of wooden cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and a wooden truss supporting the roof. The basement houses technology and storage, essential to the design, and is built from concrete blocks, with the visible areas lined with local stone to seamlessly blend the cottage into its sloping terrain.
The roof is clad with dark-coloured square metal tiles laid diagonally, ensuring durability while maintaining a rustic aesthetic in keeping with the site’s character.
“The greatest challenge in addressing this project was undoubtedly the foundation construction,” the studio continued.
The house is built on a slope that for many years was considered unbuildable due to its significant instability. It is founded on eighteen piles, 800 millimetres, and stands as a technical marvel of its precision and innovation.
This architectural project serves as a testament to the harmonious blending of tradition and innovation. It respects the historical context and natural beauty of Bohemian Paradise while providing contemporary comfort and design sophistication.
