Historical villa Pod Vrškem, the comfort of contemporary design

"When we first came and saw this villa, it didn't seem exceptional at all. A thorough renovation was essential, but we tried to preserve the original character of the house and garden," describes the reconstruction process architect Jakub Filip Novák from Studio No Architects, and continues: "The goal was to restore and harmonize some of the disjointed parts and adapt the house to current standards." The double windows, bordered with white bricks, decorative historical details on the facade of the house along with the brick-red roof underscore the style of the First Republic. The outdoor space is surrounded by greenery reminiscent of a jungle, and a path leads along the house to the terrace made of red bricks.

Upon entering the house, one finds themselves in the atmosphere of the past century, leaving no doubt that a rich history is lined with the stories of its inhabitants. This is particularly evident thanks to the original preserved tiled floor with a small pattern. The wooden decor of the entrance door perfectly corresponds with the wooden wall paneling and shelves serving as a shoe rack. The thick walls are adorned with large turquoise door frames. The hall features a staircase with wooden steps, whose color shifts in shades of olive, giving the space a cozy character.

"Although the house underwent extensive reconstruction, its authenticity and original character were not compromised. On the contrary, the space is now more comfortable and pleasant to inhabit," conveys architect Jakub Filip Novák.

Warm wood is complemented by icy shades of colors throughout the space. The doors and frames remain turquoise, while most of the walls bear white.

In the kitchen, the whole house connects. Not only is it furnished in a retro style, but it is also in turquoise like all the doors and portals.

A staircase in olive color leads to the upper floor, and this shade reappears on the doors, wall paneling, and heating. The entire first floor has a parquet floor. If a photograph could emit sounds, it would also make that symbolic creaking. However, the attention is drawn to atypically small doors: "In honor of the original builders, we added unique doors leading to a children’s corner full of imagination, which adults can only humbly access on their knees," smiles the architect from No Architects.

Other doors are of standard height adorned with a prominent handle. This is proof that even such a detail can suitably enhance the overall appearance of the space. "The handles made of stainless steel excel in high strength and mechanical resistance. For these properties, the stainless handle NOVA is suitable not only for use indoors but also performs well on exterior – namely entrance doors," states Roman Ulich, chief designer of the Czech family manufactory M&T, the only Czech manufacturer of designer door and window fittings. The doors feature fittings with a round rose, with interior doors having a simple lock, and on the entrance doors in a security variant.

"For this specific realization, the architects wanted to keep the NOVA handles in the appearance of the base material - the surface of the stainless steel is treated only by grinding, giving it a fine texture," adds Roman Ulich from M&T. The surface contrasts with the other materials. This is why the handle on the door stands out significantly at first glance.

The style of the past century transitions into the present and outpaces its time. "Throughout the interior, not only is the visionary nature of the original architect reflected, but also the personal experiences and inspirations of the owners. Japanese aesthetics are harmoniously combined with British charm, creating a unique atmosphere," concludes the reconstruction Daniela Baráčková from No Architects.

Technical Data

Name: Under the Hill
Project: 2020
Completion: 2022

Built-up area: 173 m²
Usable area: 175 m²
Area of the land: 750 m²

Type of heating: air-water heat pump, underfloor heating on the ground floor, individual and quick control with radiators in the basement and upper floor.
Studio No Architects
This studio is the result of collaboration between an experienced architect and a talented visual artist. Along with a team of experts, they specialize in sensitive and meticulously crafted solutions that reflect the unique stories and needs of each client. Creativity, innovation, and precision are the key terms guiding their approach to design and the implementation of architectural projects.
www.noarchitects.cz

Collaboration: Ing. arch. David Hromada
Landscape Architecture: Living in green, www.livingingreen.cz
Carpentry Products: CZ interiéry s.r.o., www.cz-interiery.cz
Photography: Studio Flusser for M&T

The material was prepared in collaboration with M&T, www.kliky-mt.cz.