Project: A cabin inspired by a ship’s cabin
Architects: prodisi | Dumsey
location: Franov nad Deje, Czech Republic
Area: 656 sf
general: 2021
photos by: children
Cottage inspired by a ship’s cabin by Prodesi | Dumsey
prodisi | Domici designed the unique cottage inspired by the project of a ship’s cabin located in the outskirts of the Czech town called Vranov nad Deje, on an elevated piece of land overlooking the Vranov Dam. The design principle is somewhat similar to the rest of the projects we have seen in this studio. If you are a fan of this project, you will love Stribrna Skalice House as well as Roprachtice House, so be sure to check them out.
The little hut, hidden by sunburned pine boards, nestled in the greenery above the Vranov Embankment, offers a surprisingly large interior space. Not only the family of the owner but the visitors can also enjoy it. It provides ample space for evening gatherings as well as for sleeping. There are inconspicuous storage spaces in every corner of the house and everything has its place just like in the cabin of a ship. The interior of the house is interconnected, but at the same time, the attic provides a lot of privacy. The fir-lined interior provides a relaxing retreat, while large glass panels look out onto breathtaking water decks.
In the beginning, there was a legacy – the investor got a small cottage on the bank of the Vranov Dam from his grandfather. He approached Prodesi/Domesi with a specific task – he wanted a log cabin built on the existing foundations which would have everything modern log buildings allow today, and which would become a comfortable retreat for his family on weekends and holidays. The architects had to deal with the woodlands and also with the floor plan of the original cottage which they had to adhere to while constructing the new log construction.
As an architect, Klára Vratislavová says, “The construction of the house went hand in hand with its interior design so we could make good use of every inch of the space that Grandpa’s original cottage gave us.” Finally, they managed to fit in such a small space with dimensions of 5 x 8.5 mA in the dining room, living room with a wonderful view of the water level, a spacious entrance hall with a bench for changing clothes, a bathroom, a separate toilet, a pantry and a utility room.
Upstairs they created larger and smaller bedrooms and a dressing room. “We took a reverse approach when designing the upper floor. First, we created the spaces needed for the bedrooms and after that, we ‘cut off’ the excess part of the roof, making the house as small as possible. Our goal was to design a building that humbly blends into the green slope over the water with old cottages. Mostly modest,” Klára Vratislavová adds.
The cabin on the ship was an important inspiration sparked by the nearby surface of the water, especially when designing the interior—everything in this tiny room is practically arranged, using literally every inch of space. The contrast between the outside and the inside is also impressive. From the outside, the house is purely functional and unpretentious as is the materials used. In contrast, its interior is modern, spacious and thought out to the smallest detail.
– Brodessy | Dumsey
