Cottage JARO / Edit! Architects

Architects: Edit! architects
Area: 80 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Jan Pernekr
City: Štěchovice
Country: Czech Republic

Nestled on the edge of a forest near Štěchovice, the family house reinterprets the traditional cottage aesthetic with a modern twist, fitting seamlessly into its steep, wooded surroundings. This intimate 80 m² residence, was developed by Edit! architects and captured through the lens of Jan Pernekr in 2023, embodies a blend of artistic passion and architectural finesse. The design integrates ecological sensitivity with the functional demands of its residents, featuring a unique sculptural staircase that binds the three living levels, each framed by views of the natural landscape and a meticulously curated art collection. The project is a testament to thoughtful dialogue and detailed craftsmanship, reflecting the owners’ deep connection to art and nature.

The family house on the forest’s edge is a contemporary interpretation of the local cottage style. The compact, picturesque building, vertically oriented, sits on a steep slope, integrating subtly with the terrain to minimize visible human impact.

The design utilizes the natural incline to define its distinctive vertical layout, accommodating a compact living space optimized for two occupants. This arrangement includes a master bedroom with facilities on the top floor, offering panoramic views across a valley to the Vltava River. The residence’s core features a prominent full-height staircase that links all three living floors, enhancing the home’s sculptural quality.

Interior spaces are minimal yet enriched with artisanal elements and eclectic decorations, intended to reflect the owners’ artistic passions. The ground-floor living room extends directly into the garden while maintaining a visual connection to the kitchen and dining area through a vertical gallery space. This area is envisioned as a dynamic gallery to exhibit the owner’s contemporary art collection, highlighted by a predominantly white color scheme used throughout the interiors, including the stairs and railings.

The exterior is clad in wood that naturally ages and evolves, mirroring the dynamic changes of its forested backdrop. In the garden, design principles focus on simplicity and functionality, dividing the outdoor space into zones tailored for various activities and contemplating future expansions.

Overall, the house and garden serve as a testament to the owners’ profound engagement with art, manifested through a thoughtful design process that attends to every detail, from bespoke interior joinery to unique bathroom fixtures and specialized window designs that nod to historical industrial aesthetics.