Hut-Inspired House is a residential project in Říčany, Czech Republic, designed by Prague-based Atelier Hajný. Completed in 2023, the family home was built on the site of a holiday cabin that the client had frequented since childhood. As the surrounding area began to change with new zoning plans favoring family houses, the original, beloved hut was destined for demolition. To honor the client's nostalgic connection to the site, Atelier Hajný designed a new, modern home that subtly referenced the shape and appearance of the old cabins. The design for the 180-square-meter home successfully balances the sentimental and the contemporary. The house's elongated, gabled form, with its prominent roof and overhangs, reflects the familiar shape of the traditional huts once common in the area. The building appears as a single-family dwelling, but it is cleverly designed to contain two standalone studio apartments on the ground floor, in addition to the main two-story home. The exterior is clad in charred timber, a durable and natural material that gives the house a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Light wooden shading slats on the gable ends add visual interest and regulate sunlight. Integration with nature: A cantilevered balcony provides a sheltered outdoor space, while the design's overall form harmonizes with the changing character of the landscape. The 180-square-meter interior is designed to be warm, functional, and filled with natural light. Exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels provide a warm, natural contrast to the darker facade. The ground floor contains the entrances to the two studio apartments, a technical area, and the main living room with an integrated kitchen. The upper floor is dedicated to the main apartment's private quarters, including bedrooms, a study, and a bathroom. Custom built-in furniture, including cabinetry made from oak and birch veneer, helps to optimize space and maintain a clean, uncluttered look. The Hut-Inspired House was designed with energy efficiency and modern comfort in mind. Features include: Electric underfloor heating. Recuperative air conditioning. Materials chosen for durability and sustainability, such as charred wood and CLT panels. Project credits Architecture Firm: Atelier Hajný Principal Architect: Martin Hajný Design Team: Alex Yeloyeva Location: Říčany, Czech Republic Photography: Radek Úlehla Completion Year: 2023 Collaborators: 3AE (project documentation and construction)

Skylight Hut is a renovated countryside retreat located in a recreational area in the Sázava River region, near Prague in the Czech Republic. Designed by Atelier Hajný and completed in 2024, the project transformed a derelict, 1970s single-story hut into a contemporary and airy two-story home. The clients, a couple from Prague, wanted a tranquil escape for weekends and remote work, but faced challenges from strict local zoning regulations. Atelier Hajný's design solution addressed the need for more space while adhering to a maximum height limit of 7.7 meters. The most distinctive feature is the truncated, asymmetrical hip roof, topped with a pair of skylights. This design minimized the building's overall height and prevented it from blocking the views of neighboring properties. The architects kept the original 1970s stone base, stripping the building to its foundation. A new, modern metal structure was then built upon this base, supported by a concrete slab and concealed pillars. The trapezoidal metal sheeting that clads the roof and façade gives the home a modern look while offering durability and minimal upkeep. The dark color helps the structure blend with the natural surroundings. The skylights not only provide natural light but also enable chimney ventilation, which, combined with a significant roof overhang, helps regulate the indoor climate throughout the year. Inside the 46-square-meter cabin, the design maximizes space and light to create a cozy and warm atmosphere. The interior is defined by an extensive use of light pine plywood with a prominent grain, which covers the walls, ceilings, and custom furniture. This contrasts with the dark, minimalist exterior, creating a brighter indoor environment. he ground floor features an open-plan layout connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Large windows on the south and east sides provide dynamic views and flood the space with natural light. An attic bedroom is nestled under the asymmetrical roof, illuminated by the innovative skylight system. A small fireplace adds extra warmth and coziness to the main living area. The bathroom has a simple and modern aesthetic, with a gray plaster finish. Project credits Architecture: Atelier Hajný Lead Architect: Martin Hajný Location: Sázava River Area, Czech Republic Completion Year: 2024 Photography: Radek Úlehla Manufacturers: Lindab, Velux