A unique balance of privacy and openness with a dual facade design
Prague-based Machar Teichman architects have created a distinctive house that cleverly adapts to its surroundings in the village of Ondřejov with a dual facade design. On one side, it appears as a closed structure; on the other, it reveals an open face towards a lush orchard filled with mature fruit trees. This home reflects both public and private living, tailored perfectly for a family returning to their roots after years abroad.
Crafting a modern yet local exterior
Influenced by a love for the local landscape and contemporary architecture, the family sought a design that honored both. This tension became the project’s innovative starting point rather than a dilemma for the architects. The facade respects its location, much like Facha architekti’s work in Bohemia, preserving the natural setting rather than altering it.
Materials that echo the village’s spirit
The house employs smooth white plaster and cedar wood cladding, blending seamlessly with its rural Czech surroundings. This choice avoids kitsch while connecting to its environment, reminiscent of the subtle designs seen in Mimosa Architects’ Strážné Cottage and its unique approach.
For those interested in sustainable and innovative materials, Cosentino’s sustainable mineral surfaces could provide an insightful look into eco-friendly architecture advancements.
Protecting privacy, encouraging openness
Facing the street, the house acts like a solid fence, safeguarding privacy and demarcating the plot’s boundary. Yet, it opens entirely toward the orchard, featuring expansive frameless glazing in the main living area, inviting the outdoors inside while preserving intimate nooks within the garden.
Innovative interior layout
A T-shaped plan differentiates two wings: bedrooms in the south, and practical spaces, like garden storage and parking, to the north. The living area’s pitched titanium-zinc roof offers both visual and functional distinction, with an attic study providing a quiet retreat for work in a remarkable structure.
A thoughtful design hiding in plain sight
Invisible from the street, the structure’s exterior conceals the inviting open areas facing the orchard. Wood-framed windows match the cedar cladding, echoing the house’s unpretentious, rural charm. This modern yet locally tuned approach by Machar Teichman architects champions both privacy and connection to nature through a clever facade arrangement.
With this architectural feat, the firm has not only built a home but crafted a narrative that respects heritage while embracing modernity, offering occupants the best of both worlds through their innovative concept.
In exploring how architecture interacts with its environment, TreeBOX, inspired by Ligurian barns showcases a modern take on traditional structures, similar to the dual facade design approach.
House in the Orchard by Machar Teichman architects. Location: Ondřejov, Czech Republic — Year: 2025 — Key materials: white plaster, cedar wood cladding, titanium-zinc roofing, wood-framed windows.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the design concept of the house in Ondřejov?
The house features a dual facade design, appearing closed on one side and open towards a lush orchard on the other, balancing privacy and openness.
How does the house blend with its surroundings?
The house employs smooth white plaster and cedar wood cladding, blending seamlessly with its rural Czech surroundings without being kitsch.
What is unique about the house’s interior layout?
The house has a T-shaped plan with bedrooms in the south and practical spaces in the north, while the living area features a pitched titanium-zinc roof and an attic study.