Hasta La Ideas

Czech studio A1 Architects covered the walls of this cafe in Prague with a tactile mixture of black plaster, coal and pieces of straw, in a modern take on the clay plasters used inside traditional Japanese tea houses (+ slideshow).

A1 Architects converted a nineteenth-century apartment with vaulted ceilings to create the Tea Mountain cafe, reinforcing the concept of a Japanese tea house by filling the space with charred log columns, each with an illuminated gilt section in its middle.

“We’ve already designed three tea houses and we are very much inspired and fascinated by Japanese architecture and its details,” architect Lenka Kremenova told Dezeen.

“We used even pieces of coal to emphasise the blackness so it feels like you want to touch not just look at the plaster,” she added, referring to the walls. “We always search for a certain kind of quality of materials which could be called ‘touchableness’.”

A gold-plated arch divides the tea house into two halves, creating a light side for service and a dark side for sitting down with a drink.

The first is painted in a shade of pale yellow, and accommodates a serving counter and wooden shelves stacked with tea. The opposite side features dark plastered walls and is filled with tables and stools made from ash wood.

“The seating is in the black part because it is supposed to be a more calm and relaxed place with an ambient atmosphere to enjoy drinking the tea,” Kremenova explained.

A row of globe lights are suspended at different levels above the serving counter, while wooden shelving around the edges of the shop are covered with teapots and other tea-related paraphernalia.

The shop sells a range of tea imported from Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan and China.

Photography is by the architects.

Here’s a project description from A1 Architects:

TEA MOUNTAIN, the teashop
a new concept of drinking tea

The shop called Tea Mountain, recently opened in Prague, brings a new experience how to enjoy the tea, next to contemporary style of serving it is also traditional gustation of high quality tea imported from Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan or China. One of the main issues of a1architects and the owners discussion was how to present the tea in its best to wider audience in a delicate yet friendly manner.

Shop interior

Two worlds, two atmospheres… The seating and drinking happens under the dark vault with its calm appearance and just next to it in bright earthy colours one could buy or watch the presentation of tea. The space of two original 19th century vaults is divided by gold-plated arch line situated almost in the centre of the shop.

The black plaster with added pieces of coal and straw creates an ambient atmosphere and it gets out the customer in his first step into another atmosphere out of the busy street. The following part of the shop is rather light to unable one to focus on details of the tea presentation.

The seating at the table in the black part is accompanied with charred columns with inbuilt gilt cavity which serves as a spot light and brings beautiful warm yellow light on the table. The counter and display shelves are made out of ash wood with exceptional details like inbuilt limestone tea tray, rope handles or charred cover of the scale, all these small unique pieces could be rather seen in a second glance and await patient visitors. Refined details and simple work of layering are the main features of the Tea Mountain shop design.

Client: Martin Špimr
Authors: A1Architects( MgA. Lenka Křemenová, MgA. David Maštálka)
Project: A1Architects
SUPPLIER: Ateliér Mánes – Jakub Vávra
Noren fabric: Vít Svoboda a Alžběta
Graphics: Toman design
Area: 55 m2
Completion: November 2013
Design: Autumn 2013

The post Straw and plaster-lined cafe by A1 Architects
based on Japanese tea houses appeared first on Dezeen.

Czech studio Stempel & Tesar has completed a house that looks likes it’s being swallowed up by the landscape (+ slideshow).

The family house is located in Český ráj, an 18,000-hectare nature reserve also known as Bohemian Paradise, and the house nestles against a hillside blanketed with grass.

Stempel & Tesar tunneled down into the landscape to make room for a sauna that had been requested by the client. “We decided to add a basement rather than increase the footprint of the house,” architect Jan Tesar told Dezeen. “It wasn’t too complicated to build because of the sloping site.”

The rest of the three-storey house is designed to reflect the traditional local vernacular, as planning conditions in the area are strict. Three elevations are clad with timber, while the fourth is covered with stone – a nod to the old Bohemian residences that also contained workshops or barns.

Design guidelines stipulated that no more than four windows could be added to each elevation, plus each one had to follow precise size and proportion guidelines. The architects got around this by designing large timber shutters, which slide across larger glazing panels on the north-east walls.

A steeply pitched roof oversails the walls and is clad with pre-weathered sheets of titanium-zinc.

Rooms inside the house follow a basic linear arrangement and are divided into two rows by a central corridor.

Other residences completed recently in the Czech Republic include a gabled lodge with a first-floor observatory. See more Czech architecture on Dezeen.

Photography is by Fotes.

Here’s a project description from Stempel & Tesar:

Cesky raj – Stempel & Tesar architekti

The opportunity to construct a family house in Cesky raj turned out to be a very pleasant and unique one right from the very first moment when we met the client.

Unique location adjacent to a wood with view opportunities to rocks and forests was constraint by very prescriptive and challenging planning restrictions applicable in the location in protected natural area.

The guidance documents from the authorities outlined the design meticulously: main windows must be of rectangular shape, long edge vertical, subdivided into glass panes, fixed window height ratio of 2:3 up to 4:5, the typical width of windows between 0.7-1.2m, the number of windows in the front wall between 2-4 etc. Many other building elements were prescribed with the same precision to the same level of detail.

Our design proposal originated from characteristics of local historic architecture, hence half of the house is made of stone and other half of timber, this duality derives from original division between dwelling and a workshop or a barn. Traditional open barn entrances with in/out passage inspired the high clearance glazing. These opportunities for vistas bring desired southern light into the interior while opening unique view at forests in the north and peaks of mountains.

A simple pitched roof covers the entire building volume. For roof material we selected weathered titanium-zinc sheets resisting severe weather conditions. The roof is in 45dg and the ridge is oriented parallel to the entrance as well as the main building axes.

Building volume of the house is very simple and uncomplicated therefore the final design is a pure form without any additional architectural element. The final form is very respectful to the traditional building forms in the area and originates from principles of local vernacular architecture.

Building plans extends from ground floor to the attic space right above, both used as dwelling. The house is used as a terraced house with the entrance located in the centre of the building volume.

Above: site plan

Client: private clients
Location of site: Cesky Raj, Czech Republic
Program: housing 198 sqm
Project by (firm name): Stempel & Tesar architects
Principal designer: Jan Stempel, Jan Tesar
Site area: 2715 sqm
Building footprint: 189 sqm
Design and construction: 2010-2012

Above: basement floor plan

Above: ground floor plan

Above: first floor plan

Above: cross section

The post Family house in Český ráj
by Stempel & Tesar appeared first on Dezeen.

Prague-based Studio Muon have completed a hair salon in Brno, Czech Republic, that looks like a cross between a warehouse and a dungeon (+ slideshow).

Although it looks more a warehouse, the 1920s building was first constructed for use as a bank. Studio Muon converted part of the structure into a fashion showroom in 2008 and was brought back to add the hair salon in 2012.

While the first space was designed as a simple room with garments hanging from the ceiling, the second is planned as a series of zones with styling stations propped up on a stage.

“Different functions requested different spaces,” architect Jiří Zhoř told Dezeen. “The main exhibit in the showroom is dresses, but in the hair studio it’s people.”

Mirrors bolted to rough concrete blocks run along the centre of the hairdressing platform, with chairs either side and spotlights suspended from above.

Concrete beams are used to front a steel reception desk. Elsewhere, reclaimed wooden joists are used as tables and shelf surfaces.

Other salons completed recently include a forest-like beauty salon filled with birch trees and a hair salon with copper pipes snaking across the walls. See more salon and spa interiors.

Photography is by the architect.

Here’s a project description from Studio Muon:

Hair Studio “Táňa Kmenta”

Hair Studio “Tana Kmenta” is located in the bank building originally created and built in 1929-30 by Bohuslav Fuchs and Ernest Wiesner. It is located next to showroom DNB which is created by the same architect Jiří Zhoř in 2008. Both projects are symbiotically related, but different.

The main consideration was to divide the zones and create an elevated podium/stage (level patio) which can be visible from the outside. To create a space where hairstylists can be seen carrying out their creations, the active section and the place to perform.

Elevated podium is intersected by large mirrors which are supported with concrete blocks and basic lighting. The concrete blocks in a contrast with smooth stainless surface of the floor and mirrors further enhance elevated look.

While the zone for cutting hair is visible from the street, the space with the reception and for washing hair have cosy atmosphere.

The concept of furnishing is a solitary. All furniture and equipment are custom made. The principal materials are black steel, concrete block panels, old wood beams and glass mirrors. The moving table is made out of 200 years old wood beams. The reception is made from steel construction with concrete blocks same as weights under the mirrors.

The important element is a functional basin with different shelves for hair chemicals. Minimalistic black reflectors evoke a feeling of theatre atmosphere. The building of the bank is unique thanks to its construction from reinforced concrete what was innovative in the time of its development in 1930.

Above: fashion showroom, completed 2008

One of the aspirations of the project was to show off the basis of the building and its constructional principles. The atmosphere of the interior was soften by light white spraying what also created calmness and helped new elements to stand out in their real proportions and materials.

Above: fashion showroom, completed 2008

The post Táňa Kmenta Hair Studio
by Studio Muon appeared first on Dezeen.

A dormer window provides a first-floor observatory at this gabled lodge in the Czech Republic by A1 Architects of Prague.

Located in the woodland of a mountainous region in the north-west of the country, House on the Marsh provides a family retreat where residents can ski on the slopes during winter or relax in the sun for the summer.

Timber lines the walls, floors and ceiling of each room, including a first floor gallery that accommodates a hammock and small study space.

The balconies of the gallery overlook a combined living room, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor with a traditional tiled stove at its centre.

The timber-clad exterior of the house is painted dark green and the roof is steeply gabled to match the vernacular style of the regional architecture.

A front veranda offers a sheltered outdoor space, while another at the back provides storage for firewood.

We recently rounded up all of the holiday homes we’ve featured on Dezeen – see them all here.

Photography is by David Maštálka.

Here’s some text from A1Architects:

House on the Marsh
every house deserves its small extra space…

House on the Marsh is a private lodge located in the mountainous district of Jizerske hory in northern Bohemia. It is a family retreat hidden in marsh and forests, which provides great space to gather for all three family generations.

The house

The architecture of the house had to follow strict building regulations including the house geometry or specific colors or materials which were dictated by the local authorities, to reach traditional vernacular architecture.

Simple and traditional form of the house with tall gabled roof is repeated in an unique long dormer window which serves as a special extra space with splendid view of the valley. Dark green vertical cladding protects the supporting timber structure of the house.

In winter one might enter the lodge under the prolonged eaves that roofs southern glazed veranda, which perfectly serves also for sunbathing or preparation of all ski equipment. The sliding glass could be adjusted according to the weather conditions. The northern veranda is a storage for firewood.

Site plan – click above for larger image

The interior

The traditional green tile stove is anchored to the centre of the ground floor living space. This robust stove can perfectly heat up the whole lodge during the winter, but works also naturally as an inner magnet of the room, cause it is a warm bench, divan or a cooker. The living room is divided by the central stove into several parts and small corners, there is a kitchen, dining table, seating niche and inside firewood storage under the stairs. The living room is southern oriented and opens towards sunny veranda. Its space continues vertically above the dining table up to the first floor living gallery. There are 3 bedrooms in the house, each with its own bathroom. Two of them are upstairs and the main bedroom for the oldest generation of skiers is situated in the ground floor next to the living room.

Ground floor plan – click above for larger image

The lookout dormer aka “lolling space”

The attic gallery is a place where to just lounge about, after the whole day of cross-country skiing, while enjoying the advantage of wonderful view from the hammock or from the long dormer window which we started to call “the lolling space”. It is an extra space, an independent typological kind with the only purpuse – to loll. We believe that every house deserves its own extra space.

First floor plan – click above for larger image

Client: Private
Authors: A1Architects – Lenka Křemenová, David Maštálka
Interior Cooperation: Jakub Šulc
Construction: Reno S.R.O.
Joinery: Radek Opalecký
Photography: A1Architects – David Maštálka
Area: 170 M2
Realization: 2011-12
Study Project: 2010

The post House on the Marsh
by A1Architects appeared first on Dezeen.

It may look like a giant bird’s nest but this stick-covered dome is actually a horse-riding arena in the Czech Republic.

Designed by Prague studio SGL Projekt, the Stork Nest Farm is located on the site of a former farmstead and distillery that now accommodates hotel, conference and leisure facilities.

The Stork Nest Farm was both inspired by and named after storks that resided in the roof of the distillery long after it fell into disuse.

An eight-metre-wide skylight at the roof’s peak lets natural daylight down into the centre of the timber-framed building, while concrete-framed entrances lead visitors inside.

Last year we also published a bird’s nest-like hotel in the trees – take a look here.

Photography is by Jaroslav Malý, apart from where otherwise stated.

Above: photograph is by Farma Čapí hnízdo a.s.

Here’s some more text from SGL Projekt:

The Stork Nest Farm, Semtín, Czech Republic

In 2006 we were asked to design the revitalization of a farmstead for congress, company presentation, holding of corporate events and leisure activities.

For this purpose our client bought 19th century farmstead located at a large pound. The farmstead included a distillery with it’s chimney. From 1926 there have lived storks on the chimney. It became the main reason for buying this farm.

The farm is located 50 kilometers to the south from Prague. The surrounding landscape reminds piedmont area with large forest complexes, vast meadows, wetlands and a great network of ponds.

Since the end of the 80′s from the 20th century the farm has been abandoned and the buildings quickly decayed.

Above: photograph is by Farma Čapí hnízdo a.s.

The only solitary residents who remained were the storks on the distillery’s chimney. The Stork’s Nest became a symbol for us, which affected the conception of the riding arena and thinking about all the objects of this project.

It wasn’t a formal symbol for us. We were fascinated by stork’s fidelity. Almost 90 years generations of storks are returning from Africa to the farm and we tried to design the farm in order to bring back people here again.

These birds also fascinated us by their endurance in building their nest. After decades They construct still the same, no doubt about the shape and material, still in the same place and with no desire for originality, which bother all architects and builders nowadays. Storks don‘t look for exceptional places. They don‘t want to distinguish themselves and compete with others. Storks became a symbol for us in the approach to construction. Our design of the farm was led in humility to these bird architects.

The old farmstead consisted of an enclosed yard of an almost square ground plan and addition of a piggery. The yard contained two dwelling houses, a distillery, a barn and a stable. Valuable objects were preserved and buildings of poor quality we demolished and replaced by new ones.

The residential yard consist of a reception, a hotel, conference hall, restaurant, pool and bowling and house with private garden for VIP guests. Beside this residental yard we have built another new yard for the animals.

In this section we have placed a circular riding arena in the shape of a stork nest. It has an external diameter of 34 meters and height of 12,5 meters. The building is used for riding or for a variety of presentations, cultural and social events. Riding arena is located near the stables, and is directly connected to restaurant. The supporting structure is made of glulam timber beams. The external cladding is made of translucent polycarbonate. The oak logs, give the structure an expresive appearance and also provide shading. They were fixed to the building at the total amount of 200 tons at the length of 7, 9 and 11 meters.

At the top of the building there is a central sky-light with a diameter of 8 meters. It serves for intensive ventilation of the internal space by natural air flow. The natural ventilation of the arena provides a good climate.

The arena´s riding surface is made of sand with capillary irrigation for equestrian sport. It can be covered with plywood boards during other sorts of events. The riding area is surrounded by a protective barrier and a stand for approximately 200 people. There is VIP stand upstairs.

The Stork nest farm was completed in 2010. The riding arena became a landmark in the area of the farm and an element which attracts attention in wide neighbourhood. Later, our firm designed the center for protection of fauna to the farm and recently a large rectangular riding arena.

Location: Dvůr Semtín, Olbramovice, Czech Republic
GPS: 49°41’04.71″N, 14°39’05.51″E
Date completed: 03/2010
Lead architect: SGL Projekt s.r.o.
Ak. arch. Jiří javůrek
Ing. arch. Jaroslav Malý
Ing. arch. Irena Kozáková
Ing. arch. Jan Bouček
Ing. arch. Jakub Žák

Client / Developer: Farma Čapí hnízdo, a.s.

Civil Engineer: Ing. Jiří Starý, Starý a partner s.r.o.
Environmental Engineer: Ing. Miroslav Kučera
Lighting Consultant: Ing. Michal Kozak, Etna Guzzini s.r.o.
Structural Engineer: Němec Polák s.r.o.
General supplier: BAK a.s.