Collection by Luke Hopping
Bohemian Rhapsody: 5 Czech Homes We Love
Eschewing the utilitarianism of the communist era, a new generation of Czech architects are designing with style and sustainability in mind.
“It’s oriented for the river," says architect Adam Jirkal. “It doesn’t have an engine. We wanted it to be as low to the water as possible, to really work with the water.”
Příhoda thought that the highly trafficked courtyard in Prague would in a way replicate the ocean setting; the upper window faces passing crowds (or 'waves' of people), whereas the lower portion is more quiet and solitary.
Stringent building regulations didn’t cramp the designers’ style. Sharp angles, tall windows, and varied material textures left room to make a striking architectural statement.
A skylight emphasizes the division of the upper level into master's and children's wings, and draws natural light deep into the core of the ground-floor kitchen and dining area.