The holiday home in Prosečnice, Czech Republic, stands in a location that naturally encourages a relaxed way of life. Wooded slopes surround the bend in the Sázava River here, and the proximity of the water lends the space a sense of lightness and tranquillity. It is precisely this proximity to the water and the surrounding pine-filled landscape thatmake the 78-square-metre housemore than just a weekend retreat. It is a place where it is easy to leave the daily rush behind.
The new building stands on a solid stone plinth, the only element to survive the fire that destroyed the previous cottage. The architects treated it not only as a foundation but also as an element that brings order to the whole. Raising the structure protects against flooding, whilst at the same time opening up a view beyond the shoreline. One need only slide open the wooden shutter for the sound of flowing water to fill the interior.
The cabin’s structure is lightweight. Inside, spruce panelling dominates, warming the space and lending it a sense of softness. On the exterior, charred larch boards have been used – durable, resilient and subtly evoking the site’s history. On the hillside side, the façade is protected by sheet metal, which shields it from water running off the roof. The whole is maintained in a cohesive set of materials: natural wood inside and black metal elements create the atmosphere of a compact, cosy ‘cave’, devoid of unnecessary divisions. The metal of the stove, stairs and details continues the theme of the dark façade, whilst emphasising the proximity of fire as the primary source of heat.
The linoleum floor seamlessly connects the interior with its surroundings – it is easy to enter directly from the terrace, the garden or the riverbank. The cabin is almost self-sufficient: electricity is the only external source of energy, water comes from its own well, and waste water goes into a tank hidden in the plinth. Heating is provided by a wood-burning stove and electric radiators, allowing the house to be used even out of season.
The main living space is on the ground floor. It is a high, open room that connects both views: the river and the rock faces behind the building. On the side facing the River Sázava, a large section of the façade is glazed, ensuring the interior remains in constant contact with the water. The raised terrace replaces direct contact with the ground, whilst giving the impression of being suspended above the water. When the sun becomes too intense or when the weekend draws to a close, the terrace can be closed off with a folding shutter, transforming the house into a compact, weather-resistant structure.
The attic houses small bedrooms – just enough to spend the night after a day spent outdoors. As you climb the stairs, the view of the river disappears, replaced by a panorama of rock faces that remind you just how narrowly the Sázava cuts into the landscape at this point.
Prosečnice offers everything one would expect from a holiday destination – forest, water, tranquillity and a sense of being cut off from the city. This house makes full use of these assets without attempting to dominate its surroundings. It is modest, functional and perfectly integrated into the landscape, whilst offering what one seeks most in such places: space to be together and a moment of respite.
design: Mimosa Architects
photos: Petr Polák,petrpolakstudio.cz
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