There is a new house in the emerging development on the eastern edge of Prague, which continues the interwar functionalist trend in Prague architecture. The owners built it as their second family residence and used all their previous experience during construction.
Originally, the couple lived with their two teenage daughters in a house built almost twenty years ago. “We thought we would live in it, we certainly didn’t plan to build another one,” recalls the owner. But seven years ago, they bought a plot of land not far from their house at a bargain price as an investment, and there was no indication that they were planning another house there.
Better to build
After seventeen years of living in the original house furnished with objects that no longer corresponded to today’s standard, the couple began to talk about how the home would need to be renovated and given a new style. In the end, however, they came to the conclusion that a more appropriate solution would be to build a new house on the vacant lot and then sell the old one.
This variant was supported not only by a wider assortment of furnishing items, but also by a better offer of services, the family’s financial situation and the desire to start something new.
Co-workers are the basis
It was the experience from the previous construction as well as the methodical approach of the owner that contributed to a really good preparation, thanks to which the construction proceeded very easily, even though the covid pandemic adversely affected it.
The basis of the preparation was research. The couple approached two architectural studios and five construction companies. In the end, they bet on the Brno architect Martin Kareš, whose realization of modernist villas caught their attention.
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While earlier kitchens were full of open shelves with visible contents, today’s trends dictate that everything be stored in storage spaces and always kept tidy
The couple received recommendations from several sources for the builder Pavel Matyáš and his supplier company IPM Building, and during construction it turned out to be a very good choice. Pavel Matyáš had extensive experience with villas in the modernist spirit, and where the project sometimes lacked a detailed implementation solution, he was able to advise very well. And although his services were not exactly cheap, the owners definitely did not regret working with him.
The last point of the triangle was construction supervision, which was provided by an already proven builder. Thanks to his cooperation with the contractor, the construction went really smoothly, as evidenced by the fact that not even two years had passed from the first kick in the ground to the move.
From design to implementation
The architect knew the place where the building plot was located, so he designed the house not only for the owners, but also for the location. The owners chose one of the two variants of the design, and then fine-tuned it to perfection during several meetings.
Since the foundations were laid, the contractor and the construction supervisor have already taken matters into their own hands, thanks to whose good work the building has grown rapidly. Outdoor interventions were also carried out under their supervision – it was necessary to build a pool and a terrace in advance, as well as electrical wiring to the places of future outdoor lighting.
Imaginatively lit interiors
Drawings of the interiors of the lower floor were part of the architectural design, but in the end they were not implemented, because they counted on equipment from furniture studios in Brno, which was not entirely practical during construction in the time of covid.
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The interior designer devoted great care to the selection of lighting throughout the house
On the recommendation of the building inspector, the couple approached the Yuar studio with the friendly interior architect Martina Zachariašová, with whom they fine-tuned the interior. “But there was covid and I was terribly disappointed,” describes the owner. “I was most looking forward to walking around the studios with tiles, furniture and lights and choosing from the current excellent and rich offer – in the end, the architect and I had to choose from an assortment on the Internet, where you can’t touch anything, at most someone exceptionally secretly let into his showroom.’ (The article has been editorially shortened, the full text can be found in the new edition of DŮM&ZAHRADA magazine.)
Are you interested in more information about the new building?
- An important choice of lighting fixtures
- Library selection and completion
- Advantages of a modern interior
- Solutions for the garden and around the house
- Project information
All this and much more information and products can be found in the June issue of HOUSE&GARDEN magazine, which is published on May 16, 2024.
Source: House&Garden
