Family House Dolní Malá Úpa

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa

mar.s architects

MANUFACTURERS
Ton, Bomma, Brokis, Josko, Marthi, Trapa

PROGRAM / USE / BUILDING FUNCTION
Family House

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Martin Šenberger

CO AUTHOR
Václav Kastner

PHOTOGRAPHS
Boysplaynice

AREA
402 M²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Malá Úpa, Czech Republic

CATEGORY
Houses

In the exceptional context of the mountain village of Malá Úpa, we designed a house for friends that draws inspiration from historical buildings in the Krkonoše Mountains, utilizing centuries-old knowledge of mountain living and transforming it for contemporary residential needs.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

The house is positioned towards the western sloping mountain meadow of the boundary ridge, confirming local customs both in its distance from the road and alignment of the ridge. It echoes the shape of historical mountain houses while incorporating contemporary architectural principles.

The house's form is simple, notably elongated, set on a notable plinth clad in local stone. The volume above the stone base is clad in untreated wood, gradually evolving its expression over time, acquiring a silvery-grey hue.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

As time passes, the white-painted battens covering the seams between the facade planks increasingly stand out as an accent. This facade ensures longevity even in the conditions of our highest mountains.

The roofing is addressed with a gabled roof covered in black-lacquered aluminum sheeting, featuring a pair of dormers deliberately set back from the gables.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

The smaller dormer facing the road is entirely clad with roof sheeting, while the larger dormer, oriented toward the view and illuminating the bedroom, has its front facade clad in wood.

In the western part, the main volume of the house is expanded by a veranda inspired by the extensions of historic cottages. The veranda is partially covered with vertical lathing at the facade level, creating a buffer between the interior and exterior, visually reducing the effect of the veranda breaking through.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

As an accent, a contemporary, fully open steel terrace extends from the veranda, hovering above the surrounding terrain, supported by a pair of splayed legs. During extreme weather conditions, when the surroundings blur and visibility is minimal, it becomes a commanding bridge in the middle of nothingness.

The contrast to the open facade with the veranda is the facade facing the road, where the house appears more closed-off. This facade conceals all elements that aren't desirable to accentuate.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

The only prominent feature opposing the metal dormer is the black entrance steel box, shielding against direct weather impact.

Through the entrance box, visitors enter the vestibule and continue further into the house with a natural flow between rooms, where the spacious living area takes precedence.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice

From the ground floor, stairs lead to the basement with home wellness and a sports area or to the attic, which is purely designated for bedrooms.

The interior concept aligns with the modest character of the house, aiming to create a dignified haven for the family, ensuring everyone feels comfortable even during the harshest mountain storms.

The interior prominently features wood complemented by subtle muted colors and carefully chosen craftsmanship and artistic elements.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice


Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
© Boysplaynice


Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
Plan - Ground floor
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
Plan - 1st floor


Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
North Elevation
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
West Elevation
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
South Elevation
Family House Dolní Malá Úpa
East Elevation