Hut-Inspired House by Atelier Hajný: A Modern Family Retreat in Říčany, Czechia

Located on the edge of Říčany near Prague, the Hut-Inspired House by Atelier Hajný is a contemporary reinterpretation of a childhood holiday retreat. Completed in 2023, this 116 m² family home honors the nostalgic essence of its predecessor while embracing modern architectural principles, sustainable materials, and functional living spaces.

Context and Site Planning

The site spans an elongated 820 m² plot, bordered by a noise barrier along a nearby railway and an access road to the east. Surrounding the property are typical holiday huts, reflecting the region's traditional leisure architecture. Atelier Hajný collaborated closely with the client to create a design that respects the sentimental value of the original hut while meeting contemporary family needs.

The neighborhood’s zoning regulations encourage the construction of family homes, signaling a gradual transformation from holiday cabins to permanent residences. This transitional context informed the design strategy, balancing heritage-inspired aesthetics with modern spatial planning.

Architectural Concept: Tradition Meets Modernity

The design preserves the spirit of the original hut through a simplified, recognizable volume. The main building is divided into two functional zones: a northern service area and a southern residential space. The rooflines and gable ends echo the classic triangular silhouettes of local huts, while extended overhangs provide practical shading for the southern façade and protection for the terrace.

Emphasis was placed on simplicity and clarity of form. Light wooden slats accentuate the gable ends, creating subtle texture and rhythm while connecting the home visually to its historical context.

Functional Layout

The ground floor accommodates two self-contained studio apartments with separate entrances, alongside the main apartment’s entrance, technical rooms, and an open-plan living area with a kitchen. The upper floor features the master bedrooms, study, and bathroom, offering privacy and functionality.

A cantilevered balcony, framed by shading slats, extends the master bedroom outward, forming an intimate outdoor space. This "outdoor room" enhances the connection between interior comfort and natural surroundings, reflecting the architects’ commitment to blending indoor and outdoor living.

Materials and Sustainability

Materiality is understated yet sophisticated. The exterior is clad in charred wood, providing durability and a refined dark texture, while the interior exposes CLT panels for warmth and natural beauty. Custom furniture echoes the façade’s dark tones, ensuring cohesive design throughout the home.

The house is built to low-energy standards, featuring electric underfloor heating and an energy-efficient air conditioning system with recuperation, reflecting a commitment to sustainable living without compromising comfort.

Design Highlights

• Inspired by original holiday huts: Modern reinterpretation of nostalgic forms.
• Compact family home: Functional layout with three residential units and 180 m² net floor area.
• Natural materials: Charred wood exterior, exposed CLT interiors, and bespoke furniture.
• Sustainable features: Low-energy design, electric underfloor heating, and recuperative air conditioning.
• Outdoor integration: Cantilevered balcony as an "outdoor room" and shaded terraces.
• Architectural clarity: Defined gable ends, simple volumes, and harmonious proportions.

The Hut-Inspired House demonstrates how architectural heritage can inspire contemporary design while addressing family living needs, sustainability, and urban context.

All photographs are works of  Radek Úlehla