House in the vineyard

Ivan Gürtler: House in the Vineyard
However, as we know, cottages and other recreational facilities are mostly built haphazardly, without broader urban planning dependencies, disregarding the landscape values and specifics of the given area. The project and implementation are subject to whim and cater to the underdeveloped taste of the user, disregarding the general interest, which depreciates both the immediate surroundings and the landscape.
It is important to appreciate the efforts of builders who purposefully address this issue and architects who seriously approach not only architectural works that may seem small but are no less significant, and deal with them at an appropriate professional level.
The House in the Vineyard is one of the realized projects in which the architect primarily drew from the landscape conditions and the specifics of the plot on the southern slope of the Drahanská Highlands. The simple geometric shape clings to the softly shaped terrain relief.
The characteristic living space is subordinated to the overall spatial layout of the cottage, designed for year-round operation. The space is divided in appropriate proportions into individual functional units that have high architectural quality. Interior views (contacts) to the exterior – towards Slavkov – are applied. Around the central spatial and artistic element – the fireplace – the author created a simple and impressive space on two levels.
The overall architectural conception corresponds in the correct measure to the chosen spatial architectural expression tools, enriched by structural elements that logically arise from the simple construction. The choice of building materials is logical and supports, even in the color solution, the architect's artistic intention. The large window shutter of the terrace in the roof section is constructed in an interesting way.
One can only wish for more recreational objects of such a high architectural and artistic level to exist in the country. This small building also proves that quality conception, suitable structural solutions, and the correct selection of materials are essential prerequisites for creating valuable and impressive shelter relatively cheaply and quickly.

Author's Note / The House in the Vineyard, as I named my wooden frame construction, is a recreational cottage for year-round use. I subordinated the concept to programmatic conditions and material prerequisites, aiming to create a characteristic living space on a narrow building plot – a vineyard. This vision corresponds to a one-space form in the shape of a wedge, a “wedge into the landscape,” functionally divided only by construction.
Between two gables is a terrace with a liftable roof, which is separated from the interior, i.e., the room with a fireplace, kitchenette, and dining area, by a glass wall with sliding doors. Stairs lead to the sleeping area, with four beds, which is illuminated from the south by a roof window. Through the northern window in the bay, one can observe the landscape directly from the bed. The construction on a concrete base, with a small cellar, is framed without a skeleton. The internal and external cladding of templates with a thermal insulation layer forms self-supporting gables, connected by a foundation grid, ceiling on the supporting beams, and the rear wall. The roof is covered with corrugated metal. Its movable part (which also serves as a shutter) consists of a simple mechanism. Roof adjustment can be regulated and fixed by one person.

Technical data: length 891 cm, width 444 cm, height 598 cm
Material used: concrete, wood (red spruce), Float glass, ceramic tiles, corrugated metal
Construction time: 40 days (3 students of the humanities)
Year of construction: October 1970
Material cost: 30,000 Kčs