Family House Hlubocepy by RO_AR Szymon Rozwalka Architects

A Home Between Urban and Natural Worlds

Located in Praha 5, Czechia, the Family House Hlubocepy designed by RO_AR Szymon Rozwalka architects is a striking residential project that redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and urban development. Completed in 2021, the 331 m² house is situated on the threshold of two contrasting environments: the natural beauty of the Dalejský Brook and the Hlubočepské Rocks to the northwest, and a fragmented urban fabric on the south and east.

This unique context shaped the form, scale, and spatial organization of the residence, creating a home that simultaneously embraces nature while distancing itself from the chaos of surrounding urban development.

Contextual Design Inspired by Landscape

The site’s bio-corridor and rock formations deeply influenced the architectural approach. From the northwest, the home opens toward nature, integrating green views into its interiors. To the south and east, the house takes on a more abstract form, acting as a protective buffer against the disorderly urban sprawl.

The design allows the house to blend with the dramatic rocky backdrop, while the orientation and form ensure optimal natural light reaches the interiors, even with challenging site conditions such as a narrow entrance and neighboring structures close to the property boundary.

Concept of Terrain Deformation

The design process began with the land deformation method—a concept where the building emerges as a continuation of the terrain. From the northwest, the landscape rises into an artificial hill, within which the home is partially embedded. From the southeast, the “hill” is cut away, forming an entrance patio and creating a distinct threshold between interior and exterior.

This dual geometry—organic curves versus rectangular cuts—shaped the essence of the house, where natural and artificial forms collide to produce a dynamic spatial experience.

Budget-Driven Adaptation

During construction, budget constraints necessitated bold design decisions. The architects chose a direct subtraction approach, cutting away “unnecessary” elements from the initial concept. This reduction, though risky, produced an architectural language of deliberate simplicity. In some areas, the minimal intervention created elegant and unexpected outcomes, while in others, compromises were more evident.

Despite these adjustments, the essential dialogue between organic and geometric forms was preserved, ensuring the project’s integrity and conceptual clarity.

Interiors: Light, Geometry, and Materiality

Inside, the interiors reflect the clash of geometries—the fluid organic rear spaces contrast with the crisp rectangular forms toward the front. Large windows maximize daylight and views, while material choices such as concrete, wood, and glass create a warm yet robust atmosphere.

Structural and technical contributions from STATIKA Olomouc and Projekce TZB Prokeš supported the architectural vision, while landscape design by Flera reinforced the seamless integration of nature with built form.

• Architects: RO_AR Szymon Rozwalka architects
• Location: Praha 5, Czechia
• Area: 331 m²
• Year: 2021
• Photography: Viola Hertelová
• Manufacturers: TON, Artemide, Asilo, Brokis, Ceramica Vogue, Delta Light, Entra, Ragno, Schüco, VitrA
• Structural Engineer: STATIKA Olomouc
• Building Services Engineering: Projekce TZB Prokeš, Jaroslav Prokeš
• Landscape Architect: Flera

The Family House Hlubocepy is more than a private residence—it is an architectural dialogue between city and nature, between organic and geometric forms, and between budgetary pragmatism and creative vision. By grounding the home in its unique topography and ecological context, RO_AR Szymon Rozwalka architects created a distinctive project that resonates with its surroundings while offering a modern sanctuary for its inhabitants.

All Photographs are works of  Viola Hertelová