HOUSE & WALL

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Civil Engineering

Idea projektu

This bachelor thesis focuses on the design of a family house in the Prague district of Dejvice, on the site of the former historic homestead Mydlářka. The project was developed under academic supervision and aims to create a modern house that respects and responds to the unique character of the location.
One of the key elements of the site is a preserved Milan wall, which defines the edge of the plot.
The design uses this wall not just as a boundary but as an important architectural feature that helps shape the layout and spatial atmosphere of the house. The concept is based on the Raumplan idea, meaning that the interior spaces are arranged in a way that follows the terrain and creates vertical connections between rooms.
The house consists of two simple volumes, connected by a light, transparent structure that works as a transition space between the interior and exterior. The goal of the project is to find a balance between modern architecture and the historical context of the site, without relying on imitation or historical pastiche.

Popis projektu

The design of a family villa intended for visiting professors from universities such as CTU and UCT, situated on the historical site of the former Mydlářka homestead, represents a sophisticated and innovative architectural approach through the conceptual framework of “House and Wall.” This project skillfully blends modern architectural expression with historical continuity, emphasizing a thoughtful interplay between built form, landscape, and the preserved Milan Wall, which functions as a spatial and symbolic axis within the composition.

A defining feature of the villa is its use of differentiated spatial levels, reflecting the principles of the Raumplan—an architectural strategy developed by Adolf Loos, where rooms are arranged on varying floor heights according to their function and importance, rather than being constrained to uniform floor levels. This method allows for a highly dynamic internal layout, where volumes interlock both vertically and horizontally to create fluid transitions between private, social, and working zones.

The main living areas are strategically located on elevated levels, offering wide panoramic views and benefiting from optimal natural daylight. In contrast, workspaces and communal areas are positioned on lower levels, ensuring a sense of retreat and focus while maintaining connection with the surrounding landscape. These layered spaces provide visual intrigue and a sense of movement throughout the interior.

The Milan Wall acts as a central architectural element—simultaneously a boundary and a bridge between different spatial realms. A narrow yet intentional void between the house and the wall is animated by an overflow pond, which introduces a reflective water surface that enhances the atmospheric quality of the space. This pond not only serves as a visual and experiential feature but also contributes to the villa’s ecological agenda by promoting biodiversity and supporting the local microclimate.

Bridges span the pond and connect the villa to the Milan Wall, enabling circulation while underscoring the wall’s architectural and historical significance. These connections foster a dialogue between the house, the landscape, and the remnants of the past, creating a sense of continuity between old and new.

By integrating natural vegetation, and topographical shaping, the villa harmonizes with its surroundings, forming a seamless extension of the landscape. Green roofs, and passive design strategies further contribute to its environmental performance.

Ultimately, the “House and Wall” concept offers a contemporary interpretation of living that is at once rooted in historical awareness and driven by modern spatial thinking. Grounded in the Raumplan philosophy, the villa provides a richly layered environment for both living and working—intellectually stimulating, ecologically conscious, and deeply connected to place.

Technické informace

The “House and Wall” villa is a three-story family residence designed for visiting professors, located in Prague 6–Dejvice on the site of the former Mydlářka homestead. The project is based on the Raumplan concept, with interior spaces organized in varied height levels to follow terrain and function. The preserved Milan Wall acts as a key architectural and spatial element, framing the composition and guiding the layout.

The house consists of two main volumes connected by a light, transparent structure that mediates between the interior and the landscape. A system of bridges and terraces creates links between the building and the garden, including an overflow pond that improves the microclimate and supports biodiversity.

Structurally, the building is made of reinforced concrete walls and slabs, with a ventilated façade featuring mineral wool insulation and concrete cladding. The roof is a green flat roof, helping with water retention and energy performance.

The house includes 150 m² of usable floor area, a built-up area of 293.5 m², and a gross volume of 1,095.9 m³. It has three above-ground floors and no basement. A personal elevator ensures accessibility throughout the building.

Heating is provided by a ground-source heat pump (water-to-water), and the building is equipped with central mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. It is connected to public water and sewage networks, with rainwater managed through infiltration. The average thermal transmittance of the envelope (Uem) is 0.11 W/m²K, meeting energy efficiency standards (category A).

The villa offers a thoughtful balance between modern living, sustainability, and historical context, combining spatial richness with technical quality.

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