The transformation of one half of a semi-detached house through a series of interventions into the original structure has resulted in an entirely new, yet unified whole that offers comfortable living for a family. Elements of the panel construction are presented from a new perspective, giving the interior a unique character.
The aim of the design was to transform the house into a contemporary home while preserving elements characteristic of the panel construction. The proposed house forms a sculptural, unified composition of ’empty openings and solid walls.’ The body of the house is complemented by a ‘head’ – a room that recedes from the perimeter of the structure. The main volume is designed in a light shade with dark openings. Each of these openings serves a specific function – main entrance, loggia, terrace. The inner sides of the openings are clad in wood, both to highlight them and to provide tactile comfort.
The volumes of the house are clearly defined. A two-storey extension, directly connected to the house, is placed where the original garage once stood. A recessed upper floor extension follows the original house’s footprint, and next to it, a roof terrace has been created, oriented to the south. These additions and extensions of the original structure provide ample comfort for family living.
The assignment was to renovate and expand one half of a panel-constructed semi-detached house, adapting it for more spacious family living. The property is located in Prague’s Břevnov district, near the Hvězda game reserve, at the intersection of early 20th-century villa developments and the Petřiny housing estate, built in the 1960s. The semi-detached house in question dates back to the time of the estate’s construction and was built using the same system of concrete panels. A garage, attached to the house, was constructed at the same time.
