Family House, Benešovsko

photo Jan Kuděj

The plot slopes from north to south. The total elevation reaches 15 meters over a length of 100 meters. Along the northern boundary of the plot runs a road that connects the surrounding villages.
The location of the house is based on the shape of the terrain and accessibility from the northern side. It is primarily determined by the position of existing trees. It utilizes the quality of the environment created by the grown trees. The view of the landscape and the horizon is also the most beautiful at this height. A meadow remains in the southern half of the plot.
The house does not exceed the height of neighboring houses. It has a roof accessible from the ground. From the upper boundary of the plot, only green areas of the roof are visible, flowing seamlessly into the northern slope.
The investor anticipates seasonal occupancy of the house by an extended family. The house is divided into two separately functioning parts – a larger two-story section and an adjacent single-story part at an elevated level. The space created by this arrangement in the southwest part is used as an outdoor area with terraces. A place for family gatherings.
The glazed facades visually connect the indoor spaces with the outdoors. They allow for a wide view of the surrounding landscape. The mature oaks naturally shade the terraces and the facade from the direct southwestern sun. At the same time, they preserve the intimacy of the place.

layout solution — The main entrance is at the level of the second above-ground floor. A staircase from the hallway leads to a smaller independent living area with one room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. There is direct access to the outdoor terrace from the room.
The entrance level has three bedrooms for family members, a shared bathroom, and a sauna. A staircase from the bedroom level leads down to the ground floor - to the main living room with a kitchen and dining area. A large glazed area of the southern and western facade connects the space to the outdoor terrace. In the northern part of the ground floor are utility spaces (pantry, wc, and technical room).

construction solution — The house is built of single-layer masonry with thermal insulation and plaster. The western facade has a wooden cladding made of larch slats. Part of the exterior walls is reinforced concrete, constructed of lost formwork blocks. The ceilings are ceramic and reinforced concrete. The flat roof is green, extensive; part is covered with a terrace made of larch boards. The building is founded on strip foundations. The upper part of the foundations consists of concrete walls in lost formwork.