mjölk architekti wraps its cottage pod bukovou in a skin of blackened timber

beginning with a derelict cabin still standing among the mountainous czech forests, mjölk architekti completes its revitalized cottage pod bukovou. the tiny dwelling stands together with a sauna, both finished with blackened vertical wood panels. this exterior finish extends upward to wrap across the A-frame roof, resulting in the expression of a singular volume. the design team sought introduce a warm, intimate atmosphere, commenting on the harsh conditions of the site: ‘the winter wind blows over buková mountain. it travels from the north sea across the german plains and gains strength in the rocky hills above church in hejnice, to reach the other side of the mountains and talk about upcoming winter there.’

images by boysplaynice

mjölk architekti realizes its cottage pod bukovou with an atmosphere that is both contemporary and cozy. the flames of the fire lick the glass in the large fireplace as a blanket of mist rolls across the windows. the design team seeks to take advantage of the dreary weather conditions of its context, noting that this gloom here can actually be the best. the interior is simple and functional, reorganized to maximize efficiency. the living space of the original cabin remains in place, while the sleeping layout has changed. there are now two bedrooms in the house. one is large, accessible by a hidden stair in the closet. the second, slightly smaller, is accessible by a ladder from the kitchen. opposite the fireplace is an invention called the ‘sleeping window,’ a deep inset where an unexpected visitor can sleep comfortably.

project info:

project title: buková mountain

architecture: mjölk architekti

location: jiřetín pod bukovou, czech republic

completion: 2020

photography: boysplaynice