In the picturesque setting of the Berounka River valley, near the historic Karlštejn Castle, a unique ecological house has been built – Casa De Mi Luna. It is a project that harmoniously combines tradition with modernity, respect for the environment with aesthetics, and functionality with artistic spirit. This unusual house was designed for an Argentine-Czech family wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Prague and find solace in being close to nature.
Traditional architecture and local style
Due to its location on the edge of the Bohemian Karst nature reserve, the project had to meet strict requirements for harmony with the local landscape. The architecture of the building reflects the local style: simple, symmetrical gable roof, rounded eaves and “bobrovka” type roof tiles. The façade, finished with natural materials, subtly fits into the landscape and emphasises the character of the region.
Ecological construction
The house was realised using prefabricated straw and timber panels, which allow for quick construction and minimal environmental impact. The internal 3 cm thick clay plaster helps to regulate humidity and heat accumulation. The exterior finish is a mix of lime render and larch cladding that enhances the natural character of the building.
Traditional house design with a touch of modernity
The interior of the building differs from typical Czech houses. The ground floor is designed as an almost completely open space, with a segmented staircase as the focal point. The staircase fulfils a number of functions – it is a means of communication, an element separating zones and a practical piece of furniture. The space above them, open to the two storeys, fills the house with natural light.
The first floor has two symmetrical rooms oriented east and west. The vaulted ceilings are rounded thanks to an innovative solution that connects the roof trusses by means of arches cut from plywood. The interiors are finished with natural materials: wood, clay and traditional tiles in green, blue and terracotta.
Green house – heating
The centrepiece of the house is a tiled cooker clad in green tiles, referring to the traditional cookers of the region. The cooker not only heats the living and dining room, but also heats water stored in a technical tank. The heating system uses clay plaster to accumulate and distribute heat evenly, ensuring comfortable conditions all year round.
Casa De Mi Luna is more than a house – it is a philosophy of living in harmony with nature that draws on tradition and responds to contemporary needs. Through the use of local materials, creative design solutions and attention to detail, it has become a model of ecological and functional architecture.
Design: Studio Circle Growth
Design team: Martin Žižka, Jaroslav Smejkal
Construction team: Martin Žižka, Cristian Reta, Jaroslav Smejkal, Štěpán Cibulka
Location: Karlštejn, Czech Republic
Construction: 2021-2023
Area: 104 sq m
Materials: Ecococon straw panels, clay plaster, plywood finishes
Photographs: Fredrik Frendin
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