Fisher Cottage

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Civil Engineering

Project idea

The main idea behind Fisher Cottage was to build a sanctuary where a family can simply be together, away from the noise of everyday life.I wanted the architecture to support these moments, letting the house blend into the landscape along the Berounka River. A big part of the design is a private pond built right on the property. It brings the river's atmosphere closer to the house and connects directly to the sauna, creating a very personal and calm experience. Inside, I focused on making every centimeter count. There is no wasted space, which is why the interior feels so intimate and cozy—it’s a small cottage that focuses on the quality of time spent inside and also outside.

Project description

The layout of Fisher Cottage is designed to maximize utility within a compact footprint. Upon entering the corridor, a walk-in closet is situated on the left. Moving further, a staircase cleverly shelters the kitchen on one side, while opening up to the main living and dining area on the other. At the end of the hallway, separated from the living space by a decorative screen, is the bathroom and WC.
The upper level is divided into two heights: a short ladder from the landing leads to a cozy sleeping loft for children located above the walk-in closet. Continuing up the main stairs leads to the primary bedroom, which opens onto an upper terrace built over the living area. This terrace features a green roof, bringing nature even closer to the family. Outside, the sauna is positioned directly opposite the main entrance, unified with the cottage under a single, continuous diagonal roofline.

Technical information

The primary structure of Fisher Cottage is a timber frame system. The exterior finishes create a visual contrast between functional zones: the main volume is clad in wooden planks, while the living area and the sauna are finished with Cetris (cement bonded particleboard) panels for a more contemporary look. This combination of natural wood and durable panels ensures both a cozy atmosphere and long-term durability in the riverbank environment.
All plumbing and electricity is integrated within the internal wall systems to maintain a clean aesthetic.
The building's technical equipment is strategically hidden to save space; the water heating system is located beneath the mezzanine. For thermal comfort, the cottage is equipped with floor heating throughout the interior.

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