Energy- and resource-saving interventions built into this Czech Republic cottage demonstrate that living close to nature doesn’t need to mean destruction.

Key features

Stempel & Tesar Architekti designed and constructed The House That Opens to the Sun, a 157-sq-m cabin in Malé Kyšice, Czech Republic, on the edge of the Křivoklát woods. Located in an area popular for weekend cottages because of its proximity to nature, the architects factored earthly influences and conservation into the design. This is reflected in the home’s built-in, environmentally friendly interventions. The mostly wooden home’s footprint is a quarter circle, with its windward sides covered in exposed concrete brick walls. They're intended to extend the structure’s lifetime, and have an insulating effect.

The rounded side of the home faces southwest and is fully glazed ensuring natural daylight and views of the garden and environs. An overhanging roof prevents overheating but allows sun into the home all day and acts as a balcony on the upper floor. The windows create natural warmth in the winter and built-in blinds help to naturally regulate the interior temperature during warmer months. The kitchen and main living area are found here, with a staircase leading to the sleeping quarters above. An outdoor pond takes up rainwater which can be used to water the garden. The home also treats its wastewater which is reused at least twice. A below-ground storage cellar in the garden is made of used shipping containers.

FRAME’s take

The benefit that nature has on our physical and mental health and wellbeing is undeniable, which is why our workplaces and living spaces are increasingly being designed to incorporate biophilic elements. But while being exposed to nature has positive benefits for people, nature’s exposure to people can be damaging. While we certainly should take advantage of the upsides of being in nature, we need to be mindful about built space in ecologically rich areas. Stempel & Tesar Architekti demonstrates how energy-and-resource saving and longevity-focused interventions can and should be taken into consideration when designing spaces in areas vulnerable to human activity. These design choices help reduce the Czech home’s environmental impact and produce a space that is subtly integrated into its surroundings.