Mar.s Architects’ Family House Dolní Malá Úpa Elevates Mountain Living With Tradition

Nestled within the picturesque Krkonoše National Park in the village of Malá úpa, Family House Dolní Malá Úpa by Mar.s Architects is a testament to the harmonious fusion of traditional Czech mountain architecture and contemporary design. Drawing inspiration from the area's historic stone and timber dwellings, this mountain home embraces its cultural context and navigates the challenges posed by heavy snowfall with a thoughtful architectural approach.

In the heart of Krkonoše National Park, where nature reigns supreme, Mar.s Architects faced the challenge of creating a home that respects strict construction rules while paying homage to the region's architectural heritage. Founder Martin Šenberger expressed the delicate balance the studio sought to achieve, stating, "The main challenge was just to find a new form for a traditional local building to preserve the best of the history but at the same time maintain a high standard of 21st-century living."

The Design Approach

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa is a striking example of how tradition can seamlessly coexist with modernity. Employing a traditional approach common to the area, the house rests on a plinth crafted from local stone, providing a stable base on the sloping site. The steep gabled roof, a nod to the region's architecture, serves a dual purpose - preserving the structure from heavy snow loads and paying homage to the timeless charm of traditional Czech dwellings.

Materials and Aesthetics

The exterior of the home exhibits a thoughtful blend of materials and aesthetics. The black aluminum roof, designed to combat harsh weather conditions, crowns the structure, while the walls are adorned with vertical wooden planks. Over time, these planks will weather gracefully, turning a silver-grey hue that further integrates the house with its natural surroundings.

Spatial Harmony and Functionality

Stepping into Family House Dolní Malá Úpa, the spatial arrangement mirrors a careful consideration of both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The entrance, sheltered by a steel-box structure, leads into a small lobby flanked by a staircase, bathroom, and storage area. The central living, kitchen, and dining space, finished in dark wood, create a dignified haven that offers comfort and warmth during storms, embodying a contemporary lifestyle within a traditional shell.

Elevated Lookout and Architectural Finesse

To the west, the living area unfolds onto an elevated lookout, sheltered by wooden screens that connect seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This terrace, supported by two narrow steel columns, projects over the sloped site, offering a unique vantage point. The contemporary steel terrace becomes a commanding bridge during extreme weather conditions, a testament to architectural finesse and resilience.

First-Floor Elegance

Ascending to the first floor reveals bedrooms and a secondary lounge space, illuminated by dormer windows punctuating the steeply sloping roof. These strategically placed windows frame breathtaking landscape views, creating an intimate connection between the interior and the natural beauty surrounding the dwelling.

Family House Dolní Malá Úpa stands as a living testament to the ingenuity of Mar.s Architects, who have masterfully blended tradition and modernity in the heart of Krkonoše National Park. This mountain retreat respects the cultural heritage of traditional Czech dwellings and addresses the practical challenges posed by the region's climate. Through carefully selecting materials, spatial organization, and architectural finesse, Mar.s Architects have crafted a dwelling that shelters its inhabitants and serves as a poetic bridge between the past and the present.