Vejminek in the garden

Vejminek in the garden
Architect: Vojtěch Malina
Investor:manželé Malinovi
Completion:2024
Area:105 m2
Built Up Area:128 m2
Site Area:1052 m2


Photography: Martin Faltejsek
When an architect designs a house for his parents
At first glance, this unassuming wooden building in Pečky in the Kolín region hides a story of thoughtful living in harmony with nature. Where once there was only a spacious garden with a family house, a new place to live has emerged – a compact and cleverly designed annexe, which was conceived by architect Vojtěch Malina for his parents.
The house, with its flat roof and wooden facade, respects the original building and the carefully tended greenery with its placement. It does not disrupt the view of the existing family house and naturally blends with the garden that surrounds it.

Living connected to the garden
The main idea of the design was to maximally connect the interior with the outdoor space. Each room in the house opens into a different nook of the garden, allowing residents to experience the changing seasons at arm's reach.
From the living room, one can freely transition across the terrace to the largest open part of the garden, where the parents spend most of their time. The south-facing covered seating area is perfect for afternoon coffee and evening conversations. All one needs to do is sit back and observe what is happening around – for instance, how the granddaughter plays among the trees.
The bedroom looks out into a tranquil corner of the garden, sheltered by a sprawling cherry tree. The bathroom is accessible only through private areas, and its location within the garden offers so much privacy that a shower nook with a view directly into the greenery could be designed. This makes even the smaller room feel airy and open.

Memories incorporated into the building
“When I was still little, my mother received a bonsai from her brother-in-law. During the construction of the original family house, there wasn't much time for hobbies, and so it happened that the tiny Zelkova was left in the ground for the entire season during its regular wintering. Instead of moving it to a new small pot, my father and I fertilized it and relocated it right into the center of the emerging garden in Pečky, hoping it would take root. As we can see, it did really well. It quickly became a dominant feature of the garden, creating a picturesque shaded nook that I tied in the house design with the heart of the home - the kitchen and dining room.”, shares architect Vojtěch Malina.
Since the architect's parents spent years working in an office, they wished for their own workshop upon retirement. By opening the discreetly hidden doors in the wooden facade, the workshop connects with the yard in front of the house – instantly creating much more space for work.

A house that ages gracefully
The wooden facade and the roof covered with sedum were designed so that the house naturally ages and gradually blends with the garden. The place that has emerged is not just a house – it is a thoughtful refuge where one can live peacefully and in harmony with nature.
Architect Vojtěch Malina
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.
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