On the banks of the Slapy Reservoir, in the heart of the Czech countryside, a dialogue between history and modernity unfolds. At Roviště, a family estate has been reimagined by edit! architects, transforming the remnants of a traditional rural house into a contemporary retreat. This project is not simply a renovation, but a sensitive restoration and adaptation, where the spirit of the past informs the needs of the present.
The plot once housed a traditional rural dwelling, but only remnants of its perimeter walls remained. Driven by a desire to honor this legacy, the owners envisioned a revival of the site’s character. edit! architects responded with a design comprising three interconnected buildings, forming a U-shaped courtyard – a contemporary nod to the traditional layout of such homesteads. While not a literal replication of the original structure, the design draws inspiration from its historical form, deftly adapting it to the demands of modern life.
A key transformation arose from the regulated water levels of the adjacent river. This allowed the courtyard to be strategically oriented towards the water, a feature not possible in the original design. The riverbank itself provides a natural boundary, offering both picturesque views and a sense of secluded privacy for the owners and their guests.
The functionality of the estate is clearly defined through the individual roles of each building. The central structure serves as the heart of the home, its generous dimensions and airy design providing ample space for family gatherings and social events. Remarkably, the scale of this main living area reflects the proportions of the former house, a testament to the architects’ sensitivity to the site’s history.
A smaller building, designated as the relaxation wing, houses three bedrooms and a usable attic. The third structure, the original building itself, has been meticulously restored and now functions independently. This versatile space can serve as a guest retreat, a private sanctuary, or even a weekend rental property.
Connecting all three structures is a covered terrace, a crucial element in blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Here, the landscape seamlessly intertwines with the built environment. Large-scale glazing in the façade further dissolves the traditional boundaries between interior and exterior, allowing the living space to extend beyond its conventional limits.
edit! architects’ holistic approach extends beyond the form of the buildings. A commitment to local character is evident in the selection of materials. Granite from a nearby quarry, slate roof tiles, and larch wood – all traditional elements of the Slapy Reservoir landscape – lend an authentic quality to the estate, ensuring its harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.
The inherent beauty of these natural materials eliminates the need for elaborate interior decoration. The exposed timber beams, a prominent feature of the design, create a sense of grandeur without any additional embellishment. Modern technological solutions, including underfloor hydronic heating and a solar heat pump, provide both comfort and energy efficiency. The surrounding garden, carefully planned to complement the natural landscape, will, over time, mature into an organic extension of the estate. This rural retreat at Slapy is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a testament to the power of sensitive design to bridge the gap between past and present, creating a home that is both rooted in history and perfectly suited for contemporary living.