A House Growing Behind the Façade
Study 2024
Břevnov, Prague
Ing. arch. Jakub Vlček, Ing. arch. Monika Danielová, Ing. arch. Ondřej Jelínek, Ing. arch. Lada Chromelová
The site in Břevnov remained vacant for a long time—as if waiting for a house that would understand its place. Filling the gap brought several challenges: a height difference between two streets, tight neighbouring conditions, a requirement for 12 parking spaces, and the need to protect the privacy of the inner block. The aim was to create a mixed-use urban house—with services at ground level, housing above, and a livable inner courtyard.
The new building naturally follows the surrounding context—in height, rhythm, and its pitched roof. The street façade remains calm, while contemporary elements give the house a timeless character. Apartments of various sizes are also oriented towards the green inner courtyard with a shared garden. The garage is partially recessed and naturally lit. The building is designed to passive standard, with an emphasis on everyday comfort and sustainability.
Important elements :
1
Filling in gaps
The new building gently complements the street frontage and naturally responds to its scale and character – including the gable roof, cornice height, and the rhythm of the facade.
2
The double face of the house
Traditional street and green courtyard – each facade reacts to its surroundings differently, but consistently. While the house is calm and structured towards the street, it opens up and comes alive towards the courtyard.
3
Greenery as a tool for climate and privacy
The courtyard is designed to be vegetatively active – with flower boxes, trees and vertical greenery that shades, cools, dampens noise and defines private space.
4
Minimalism in details
Metal linings, matching sheets and textured plaster form a finely articulated whole – what is important is not ostentatiousness, but precision and harmony.
