An old mill located in central Bohemia, rather than falling into complete disrepair, has been given a new lease of life as a detached house. The architectural practice Stempel & Tesař architekti carried out a thorough renovation, preserving the building’s historic features whilst adapting it to the modern needs of its new residents.
An old mill transformed into a home
The story behind the project began with an intensive search for that one, dream location that would fully meet the owners’ expectations. The couple dreamt of a peaceful home away from other buildings, which is why they chose an abandoned mill standing by an overgrown pond. During the future occupants’ very first visit, the decision was made to abandon plans to build a new structure in favour of renovating the existing one. The project to renovate the ageing property was entrusted to the Stempel & Tesař architekti studio, led by architects Ján Stempel and Jan Jakub Tesař.
A building with a section cut away
Years of neglect had left the building suffering from severe damp and, moreover, it had a highly impractical interior layout. The architects therefore opted for a far-reaching redevelopment, whilst respecting the history of this charming place and the mill’s inherent qualities. To bring more light into the interior and improve ventilation, the designers ‘cut out’ a section of the structure, creating an internal patio. Thanks to this intervention, light reaches the rooms through large glazed areas, whilst the gable wall, now exposed on both sides, promotes natural air circulation. This was particularly important given the restoration of the nearby pond, which posed a risk of persistent damp.
Historic roof truss and new materials
During the works, the historic roof truss was dismantled, restored and then reinstalled in its original position. Removing the ceiling above the living area opened up the living room, kitchen and dining room across two storeys, whilst showcasing the craftsmanship of the carpenters of yesteryear. The original entrance was left in the same place, whilst the damaged ramp was replaced by a new structure made of steel beams and metal grating. The floors throughout the ground floor, including the patio, were laid with basalt tiles, whilst the interiors are minimalist and understated – all to ensure they do not compete with the building’s historic features and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
An old mill given a new lease of life
The mill’s renovation involved the careful restoration or replacement of various structural elements, whilst respecting its historical value. The water wheel was reconstructed using traditional craft techniques, thereby successfully restoring this extremely important element of the building’s original machinery. The architects emphasise that the result of their work was not intended to resemble a museum exhibit. The former mill has been given a new lease of life as a comfortable home, whilst retaining traces of its centuries-old history and authentic details that bear witness to its past.
design: Stempel & Tesař architekti – Ján Stempel, Jan Jakub Tesař
location: Central Bohemia
photographs: Filip Šlapal
See also:Czech Republic | Makeover|Minimalism | Detached house|Wood|whiteMAD on Instagram
