HOUSING — RIVER SIDE
The project brief was to design a unique residential building that would fully take advantage of its exceptional location with views of the Svratka River, while also sensitively addressing the challenging terrain with a significant elevation difference.
0 t CO2
Green roofs.
◎ +kW
Energy efficient standard.
◎ H2O
Use of rain water.
ARCHITECTURE
The apartment building is designed without a basement, and its massing naturally responds to the configuration of the sloping terrain. The first above-ground floor accommodates service areas and garages, which are partially embedded into the slope. The façade at this level is clad in brick, referencing the character of the surrounding development and lending the ground floor a sense of solidity and material stability. The second and third above-ground floors contain a total of eight residential units ranging in size from studio apartments (1+kk) to four-room apartments with a kitchenette (4+kk). The apartments are designed with an emphasis on daylight, openness, and a direct connection to the exterior. Each unit features a private loggia or terrace offering views of the Svratka River and the surrounding greenery. The layouts of the individual apartments are conceived to provide maximum privacy while ensuring natural daylight in all living spaces. Living areas are predominantly oriented to the south and east, while the service spaces are located along the shared corridor. The volumetric composition of the building is simple and legible—two interconnected volumes linked by a central communication core create a balanced composition that naturally integrates into the hillside. The combination of a brick-clad ground floor and timber cladding on the upper levels reinforces the architectural expression of the building and its relationship to the natural context.
SUSTAINABILITY
The building is sensitively embedded into the rocky hillside in order to minimize terrain interventions and stone excavation. The design is based on the principle of maximum respect for the natural environment and an effort to preserve the site’s natural topography. At the same time, the project places strong emphasis on energy efficiency and long-term operational sustainability. The building envelope is insulated in accordance with current standards and is equipped with a heat pump and heat recovery ventilation, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment with low operating costs. A green roof contributes to the protection of the building structure, rainwater retention, and the improvement of the immediate microclimate. Overall, the project represents a balanced integration of architecture and nature, harnessing the site’s potential while respecting its ecological value.
team
Adéla Balnerová, Jan Blažek, Vojtěch Lekeš