Family House Dolní Malá Úpa / MAR.S ARCHITECTS

Architects: MAR.S ARCHITECTS
Area: 402 m²
Year: 2022
Photography: BoysPlayNice
Manufacturers: TON, Bomma, Brokis, Josko, Marthi, Trapa
Lead Architects: Martin Šenberger
Co Author: Václav Kastner
Program/ Use/ Building Function: Family House
City: Malá Úpa
Country: Czech Republic

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa, a residential project by MAR.S Architects in the mountain village of Malá Úpa, draws inspiration from historical Krkonoše Mountain buildings. Completed in 2022, the house incorporates traditional mountain living principles into contemporary design, featuring untreated wood cladding, a black-lacquered aluminum gabled roof, and a veranda with a steel terrace. The design balances historical forms with modern functionality, creating a comfortable haven for its occupants.

Family house dolní malá úpa / mar. S architects

Positioned on the western sloping mountain meadow of the boundary ridge, the house adheres to local customs in its distance from the road and alignment of the ridge. It reflects the shape of historical mountain houses while incorporating modern architectural principles.

The house’s simple, elongated form sits on a notable plinth clad in local stone. The volume above the stone base is clad in untreated wood, which will gradually acquire a silvery-grey hue over time. White-painted battens covering the seams between the facade planks will increasingly stand out as an accent. This facade ensures longevity even in the harsh conditions of the highest mountains. The house features a gabled roof covered in black-lacquered aluminum sheeting, with a pair of dormers set back from the gables. The smaller dormer facing the road is fully clad in roof sheeting, while the larger dormer, oriented toward the view and illuminating the bedroom, has a front facade clad in wood.

The main volume of the house extends with a veranda in the western part, inspired by historic cottage extensions. The veranda, partially covered with vertical lathing at the facade level, creates a buffer between the interior and exterior, visually reducing its impact. A contemporary, fully open steel terrace extends from the veranda, hovering above the terrain and supported by splayed legs. In extreme weather, the terrace acts as a bridge in the middle of nothingness.

In contrast, the facade facing the road appears more closed-off, concealing undesirable elements. The black entrance steel box shields against direct weather impact. Visitors enter through the entrance box into the vestibule, naturally flowing into the house, where the spacious living area takes precedence. Stairs lead from the ground floor to the basement, housing home wellness and a sports area, or the attic designated for bedrooms.

The interior concept aligns with the house’s modest character, aiming to create a dignified haven for the family. Wood features prominently in the interior, complemented by muted colors and carefully chosen craftsmanship and artistic elements.