fránek architects embeds a timber-clad house into snowy czech mountains

nestled into the picturesque krkonoše mountains in the czech republic is a contemporary dwelling with an archetypal form. realized by fránek architects for a close friend and his young family, the design seeks to establish architectural purity, as well as a connection to the spectacular natural surroundings. 

images by petr polák

when approaching the design, fránek architects paid due consideration to an existing building that has been standing within this protected area since ancient times. strict regulations and the architect’s responsibility towards this protected structure informed both the size and archetypal form of the new house in krkonoše. additionally, the investor of the project sought a sophisticated spatial design, one which would be spiritually focused, unusual, and pure.

the dwelling is built into a sloping site. the driveway and main entrance are located on the first floor in the upper part of the building. this level contains the main social space of the house and the master bedroom suite. downstairs in the basement level there are three more bedrooms, which all open out onto a patio deck and outdoor pool.

the basement is made of reinforced concrete while the upper levels are constructed in timber. the entirety of the building is clad in larch, which endows the architecture with a pure, seamless aesthetic. inside, the interiors are white and pared-back. these clean surfaces act as a white canvas for carefully curated artwork. rather than fussy decorations, the architect envisions that the personalities of the inhabitants will enliven the house. ‘the purity, in the interior of such houses, allows thoughts to flow and makes their personalities and intellect stand out, with whom they fill the space, inhabit, cosset and mark the interior while living,’ says fránek architects.

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project info:

project name: house in krkonoše

location: krkonoše, czech republic

architecture studio: fránek architects

author: zdeněk fránek, principal architect

accountable designer: jiří topinka

completion year: 2018

built-up area: 2,422 ft2 (225 m2)

gross floor area: 4,994 ft2 (464 m2)

usable floor area: 4,047 ft2 (376 m2)

plot size: 6,878 ft2 (639 m2)

photography: petr polák