The Oskar House, designed by renowned architect Jan Žaloudek, is an example of modern architecture infused with the spirit of history and the subtle aesthetics of its surroundings. Situated in an extensive garden in the South Bohemian village of Kamenná Lhota, once part of the grounds belonging to the nearby castle, the house stands out not only for its functionality, but also for its deep connection with the local heritage. Surrounded by preserved elements of a Baroque barn, centuries-old trees and a stone wall, which together create a picturesque landscape.
The concept for the house was born as a personal haven for the architect, who together with his wife – art historian and writer Jolanta Trojak – dreamt of a space that would allow both deep contact with the surrounding nature and inner reflection. The house is meant to be a place of daily relaxation, where even the simplest rituals take on the dimension of deep experience. Every element of the interior has been thought through with attention to detail in order to combine a residential function with the possibility of artistic inspiration, creating a kind of micro-world where sleep, reading, shared meals or creative work intertwine with the landscape seen outside the windows.
A dialogue between perfection and imperfection
The design of the house was closely linked to the local site conditions and the requirements of building in a cultural protection zone. Respectful of the historic buildings and the neighbouring castle, the architect integrated the new structure into the existing landscape without overwhelming the traditional surroundings. The idea of creating a structure with features reminiscent of a chapel – in a town where such a form was lacking – became an inspiration. The modern building combines contrasts of novelty and tradition, interior and exterior, and perfection and deliberate imperfection. Characteristic of the house are the perforated walls, which not only let in natural light, but also act as a shield against excessive sunlight. Wooden shade panels, inspired by historical patterns of rural architecture, harmoniously complete the composition, creating multifunctional loggias and atriums that can both open up to the world and build an intimate, meditative retreat.
Natural cycles and play of light
A key aspect of the building is its close connection to the rhythms of nature. The spacious bedrooms and the main living area with its panoramic view of the orchard allow residents to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and full moonlight. The south facade, decorated with a perforated wall and a striking circular window, connects the living area with the courtyard. Large glazing, wooden terraces and carefully designed shading panels allow the amount of incoming light to be regulated, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes with the time of day and night. In this way, the interior of the house becomes a space where natural cycles have their meaning, and where light – both morning and night – transforms the mood at every moment.
Sacred inspiration and the intimacy of interior space
The interior of the house, although white, exudes warmth, intimacy and a spiritual message. The spacious living room with a vaulted ceiling reaching seven metres, inspired by sacred spaces, has an atmosphere of holiness and reflection. White plasterwork, large aluminium-framed windows and an impressive circular window on the south side of the building recall the spiritual heritage and give the space an almost ethereal feel. The focal point of the interior is the curved wooden kitchen with an island made of Indian Shivakashi granite, reminiscent of an altar around which daily rituals take place. A cosy dining room with an oak table and a historic carved image of the Madonna completes the picture of a place where tradition meets modernity.
Art in every detail
Oskar House is not only about clever architecture and attention to structural detail, but also a space where art plays a key role. The family’s collection, which includes works ranging from Czech modernism to contemporary artworks, permeates every corner of the building
The Oskar House, named after the composer Oskar Nedbal, who composed the operetta ‘Polish Blood’ precisely in the vicinity of the castle’s heritage, was created to share its unique atmosphere.
project: Jan Žaloudek Architekt
photos: BoysPlayNice
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