An old stone hut on the outskirts of Prague has been transformed into a striking urban cabin for a couple seeking escape from inner-city life.
WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Radek Úlehla
Architect Martin Hajný was tasked with transforming a dilapidated 1970s one-storey hut into a spacious “city escape” for a couple enchanted by its leafy location on the outskirts of Prague. Martin’s real challenge was designing an urban cabin that met the clients’ spatial needs while complying with strict zoning regulations, including a height restriction of 7.7 metres above the surrounding terrain.
His solution was to incorporate a truncated roof that minimised the height and volume of the structure, while ensuring the roofline did not obstruct neighbouring views of the landscape. The original hut was stripped down to its stone base, which now serves as the foundation for the new metal structure. The main construction consists of a two-by-four framing system with an open, lightweight design, built on a reinforced concrete slab supported by concrete pillars concealed behind the stone walls. The roof and façade are clad in trapezoidal metal sheeting – a low-maintenance material with a long lifespan that resembles wooden battens.
While the dark exterior helps the building blend into its surroundings, the bright interior – dominated by pine plywood – evokes the warmth and simplicity of a classic hut. The bathroom features a subtle grey plaster on the floor and walls.
The simple layout and use of façade windows on all sides offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. The truncated roof remains uniform from the outside, as adding a window would have disrupted the house’s clean, minimalist silhouette. The bedroom is illuminated from above by a pair of skylights, which also provide ventilation. Meanwhile, the roof overhang on the southern side of the home helps maintain a pleasant indoor climate throughout the year.
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