House in the Garden

A young family approached Papundekl architects after a long search for a model house from a catalog. The layouts of catalog houses seemed impractical and inefficient to them. The main assignment for the architects was a single-story barrier-free bungalow typology and a layout with a minimal amount of corridors, all with regard to low overall costs.
The family house was positioned by the architects in the center of a triangular plot, located at the foot of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. Along the northern boundary of the plot runs an important hiking trail to Mount Ondřejník.
The response to this defined assignment is the concept of three small masonry “blocks” with a rational layout. These three strictly defined volumes with different functions create a generous irregular living space. This results in a specific spatial atmosphere of a small square, dominated by the adjoining kitchen area with a bar counter. The living room with a dining area is enriched by built-in wardrobes, a fireplace stove, and cozy corners of the study and hallway. The space is connected to the garden as much as possible through large glazed surfaces. Individual activities can be separated by a rotating library and sliding doors. The shared square can thus flexibly change according to the family's current needs.
One of the authors, Šimon Bierhanzl, adds: “The house is partially embedded in the terrain and, due to its overall shape, low height, the chosen extensive green roof, and natural character, it integrates into the garden, which thus becomes an integral part of the house and vice versa.”
The basic blocks were designed by the architects in a simple structural and material execution. They are built from system thermal insulation blocks on concrete foundations. The masonry is topped with reinforcing bonds, and the ceiling is supported by beams. The space of the living room, hallway, and study is covered by a beam ceiling that creates a playful arrangement, derived from the geometry of the basic blocks. The beams converge to the center above a concrete pillar in the kitchen.
The family summarizes their impression: "Papundekl architects designed a house for us without unnecessary twists, corridors, and dead ends. It is a house in which each of us can find our refuge, but in which we never feel alone because we are always within reach of one another. One of our greatest joys is the view into the garden through the glass wall, during which we often forget that we are inside and simply enjoy the atmosphere of the different seasons. Papundekl architects designed a house that has undoubtedly become something more than just our house. It has become a home."