Forest-view modular home in Czech Republic
Papundekl Architects designed a house with slanted facade that brings nature indoors.
1Architecture integrated with forest
Papundekl Architects used fully glazed north-facing slanted facade to bring the adjacent forest into this single-story home in South Bohemia. Studio co-founder Jan Bárta explained this design 'makes the forest a continuous backdrop to daily life'. The traditional facade faces the street. The home's location and orientation were optimized to maximize natural light exposure throughout the day.
2Budget-conscious material selection
The project's material palette was shaped by local context, availability and cost efficiency. Local materials like timber framing and standard glass were preferred. Cost-effective elements such as monopitch roof, asphalt roofing membrane and standard insulation blocks balanced the expense of the extensive glazed facade. Using a standard commercial glazing system developed for office buildings avoided custom solution costs.
3Modular structural system
The home's load-bearing system consists of modular timber framing on a two-meter grid, with slanted columns on the northern edge. This system minimized material waste through strict repetition of partition walls, structural framing and glass panels, significantly reducing construction costs. Standardization of structural elements also accelerated the building process.
4Interior spatial organization
The home's spatial layout follows two-meter modules. Living spaces and bedrooms were designed as double modules (4 meters wide), while entryway, storage, bathroom and other service areas were kept to single modules (2 meters). This arrangement creates clear rhythm between active living zones and functional service areas, establishing efficient circulation patterns.
5Movement choreography
A central corridor connects open-plan kitchen and living area at the heart of the home to bedrooms at both ends. The architects emphasize this layout 'dictates the choreography of movement within the house'. The open plan serves not just aesthetic purposes but emerges as functional necessity in this design, enhancing spatial flow and visual connectivity.
6Minimalist interior
Exposed timber structure and light-colored walls create minimalist interior atmosphere. This simple material palette harmonizes with expansive forest views. Neutral interior colors allow the natural textures outside to take center stage. Furniture selections were made to complement this holistic design approach, maintaining visual continuity between interior and exterior.
7Nature theme in Czech architecture
This project represents contemporary examples of nature-integrated design approach gaining popularity in Czech architecture. Similar concepts appear in Mimosa Architects' cabin using charred wood and black metal, and BekArch's conversion of abandoned bakery workshop. The region's architectural identity is being shaped by such natural material applications and contextual responses.
8Sustainable housing design
Papundekl Architects' project sets important reference for sustainable housing design. Material choices compatible with natural resources, energy-efficient design strategies and modular construction system inspire future residential projects. Wider adoption of such solutions, especially in rural areas, will contribute to development of ecological architecture and responsible construction practices.