Dům za plotem

ASSIGNMENT
The investor did not search for the plot for long. When I first saw that old garden, peace washed over me. Lots of greenery and silence. Here he wants to build a house for himself and his family. Bright, spacious, and comfortable. The owner is demanding but also generous. I have a free hand and budget from him, which increases the responsibility.
Initially, I intended to design a single-story atrium house, but due to local regulations, it did not fit on the relatively small plot. I want the building to be simple, linear, and above all to be as submerged in the surrounding greenery as possible so that it blends in, does not disturb, does not provoke, and does not play any roles.

URBANISM
The plot is not very large (800 m²), but it is beautiful. It is located in the southern part of Louňovice between detached family houses, gardens, and trees. The forest is closer than just around the corner. The newly-designed house will therefore be a detached building, partially two stories. The footprint, shaped like the letter "L" parallel to the access road, will create a quiet residential zone in the southwestern part of the plot. By placing the house as close to the street line as possible, I aim to create space for a garden while also partially eliminating the street fencing along the entire length of the house. Originally, the house's perimeter wall was supposed to completely replace the fencing and thus naturally connect the house's space and its surroundings with the street, evoking at least a hint of connection to the village.

ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTION
The house is a two-story, non-basement structure with a footprint in the shape of the letter "L." The second floor is only above part of the first floor's footprint. The roofs of both parts of the house are flat, cascading away from the street space. The first-floor roof will be green, covered with intensive greenery. This will submerge the house among the other gardens and visually reduce the structure. That was my intention.
The house has two hearts. A fireplace for the winter season and a covered terrace for the summer. The first floor contains the living areas, including a living room with a kitchen, the technical background of the house, and a garage. In the western part of the first floor's footprint, there is a private area for the parents with a bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room.
The second floor serves for the children or guests. Here we find two children's rooms with a bathroom. Each has its own space. The floors are connected by a staircase located in the living room.

The "L"-shaped footprint parallel to the access road creates a quiet zone in the southwestern part of the plot. A swimming pool and terrace are located there, all hidden behind mature bushes.

Material-wise, the house is divided into two basic masses. The first floor combines metal (antracite cladding elements, window fillings) and concrete stucco. The second floor combines metal (antracite cladding elements, window fillings) and wooden façade cladding made of untreated larch beams. Over time, the wood will silver and impart a natural character to the building. The entire lower and upper facade of the house facing the garden is richly glazed, and in the summer months, the large-format sliding doors will connect the interior with the exterior very intensely.