päivä architekti's Medník House Extends a Rural Czech Home
Medník House by Czech studio Päivä Architekti expands a century-old hillside home above the Sázava River in the Czech Republic into a bright steel and timber studio. The new extension is positioned where forest meets garden, shaped by the wedge-like terrain and framed by mature trees.
From the garden, the renovated building aligns with long views toward the valley and Medník Hill’s summit, preserving the openness that defines the site’s character. The addition is a freestanding studio connected to the original house by a covered terrace. This terrace wraps around an existing oak tree, which remains a central element of the design.
A covered walkway extends toward the garden, creating a gentle transition between interior and outdoor spaces and encouraging daily movement to flow outdoors.
Interior and Architectural Design
Inside, the studio features an open, double-height space filled with natural light from sliding glass walls facing the valley. A compact gallery is suspended within the volume, serving as a quiet retreat above the workspace.
The restrained geometry of the new studio echoes the form of the original house but is interpreted with a contemporary approach. The project showcases craftsmanship and practical structural logic.
“The addition takes the form of a freestanding studio linked to the original home by a covered terrace. This connecting space wraps around an existing oak, allowing the tree to remain an anchor in the composition.”
“Inside, the studio ... unfolds as an open, double-height volume flooded with daylight through sliding glass walls that face the valley.”
Summary: Päivä Architekti revitalized a historic Czech hillside home by adding a modern, light-filled studio that harmonizes with the landscape and preserves key natural and architectural elements.