Medník House by Päivä Architekti Revives a Century-Old Czech Home
Päivä Architekti expanded a historic hillside home, creating a bright steel and timber studio overlooking the Sázava River in the Czech Republic. The extension nestles between forest and garden on a rocky slope, carefully shaped by the wedge-like terrain and framed by mature trees.
From the garden, the renovated house aligns with wide views toward the valley and Medník Hill's summit, preserving the site’s defining open atmosphere. The new structure appears as a freestanding studio, connected to the original house through a covered terrace that surrounds an existing oak tree, keeping it a central feature in the design.
A covered walkway extends towards the garden, easing the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and enhancing the rhythm of daily life with smooth movement into nature.
Studio Interior and Architectural Approach
Inside, the studio opens to a double-height space bathed in natural light by sliding glass walls facing the valley. A compact gallery quietly overlooks the work area, offering a tranquil retreat.
The new building's clean geometry echoes the form of the original house but is realized with a modern architectural language. The design balances craftsmanship with functionality, reflecting a thoughtful structural approach.
"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."
Author's summary: Päivä Architekti’s extension of the Medník House skillfully fuses modern design with natural surroundings, enhancing the historic home while maintaining its connection to the landscape.