A Fresh Take: A "No Architects" House Amidst the Wonders of Sdruzeni Narodních Parků Šumava
Secluded Rural Abode in the Šumava Region
Nestled within the breathtaking meadows of Sdruzeni Narodních Parků Šumava, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Czech Republic, a captivating 185-square-meter residence has risen. Hailing from the imaginative minds of Prague-based studio 'No Architects', this astonishing dwelling artfully tiptoes along rigid building regulations to deliver a harmonious marriage of history and modernity within the protected landscape.
Snapshots Petr Polák
The creation breathes life into the region's traditional rural abodes, with a gabled form and robust coincidence to the terrain. Generous panes of glass offer tantalizing glimpses of the surrounding splendor, from the distant Šumava Saddle to the intricate dance of nearby birch roots. Distinctive architectural characteristics, such as a jutting rizalit, the absence of intrusive fencing, and modest landscaping orchestrate a connection with the rural surroundings, while a grand south-facing window under the gable, reimagined through a modern lens, nods to the area's Alpine heritage.
The facade dons dark-stained spruce, mirroring the hues of traditional homesteads, and includes reclaimed stone in the plinth and retaining walls. Full-height ventilation shutters, an enthusiastic nod to the region's iconic green shutters, accent the facade, complementing sleek triple-glazed windows boasting unobstructed vistas.
Inside, this house exchanges pleasantries with its roots. Spruce panels act as both backbone and interior finish, creating a warm, consistent ambiance throughout the residence.
The home's layout beckons back to the conventions of traditional Czech rural houses, separating functional and social areas. The north-facing service entrance ushers you to utility quarters, while the principal entrance unfurls to a sunlit living area with a blazing fireside and a rustic ash dining table serving as the living area's focal point.
Dark slate flooring on the ground level plays in stark contrast with lightweight Nordic spruce floorboards above, while bespoke furniture merges solid spruce and maple with black steel accents. A spacious attic shelters three bedrooms, a bath, and a central hallway, providing a private sanctuary that invites breathtaking vistas over the park's protected wilderness.
Environmental strategies echo the home's philosophy of integration and harmony. High-performance insulation, air-water heat pumps for radiant floor heating, and an autonomous water system comprising a private well and sump are employed to ensure minimal environmental disruption. A sleek, dark-grey aluminum roof completes the edifice, promising durability while remaining inconspicuous among the natural beauty.
Thank Yous
- Architect: No Architects
- Timber Construction: POP BUILDING
- Foundations: JIŘÁM
- Built-in Furniture: JRV interier
- Built-in Sauna, Dining Table: Jan Mates
Further Perspectives
- A "No Architects house" within Sdruzeni Narodních Parků Šumava strikes a perfect equilibrium between modern comforts and yesteryear's rural elegance.
- Its design philosophy emphasizes a seamless blend with the natural environment, utilizing sustainable building practices and locally sourced materials.
- The Šumava National Park, with its pristine flora and fauna, presents an ideal canvas for such a house, promoting a harmonious existence side by side with Nature.
- While unique in its local context, it shares similarities with other successful blends of tradition and modernity, such as the Haidl-Madl-Ferienwohnen in the Bavarian Forest[3], as testament to the universal appeal of exceptional design.
In this unique residence nestled within Sdruzeni Narodních Parků Šumava, the interior design fosters a connection with the surrounding environment, blending sustainably sourced spruce panels throughout, reminiscent of the region's heritage homes. The lifestyle within this home-and-garden, protected by eco-conscious strategies like high-performance insulation and air-water heat pumps, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable living.
