On the banks of a river valley in the Czech village of Znojmo, this family home is sited on a downward slope towards the Dyje River. Surrounded by mainly family houses and blocks of flats, the new house by Kuba & Pilar Architekti stands out by beautifully blending in thanks to a dramatically sloping green roof that camouflages into the forest beyond.
Sitting on a narrow rectangular site, the house is organized into three levels towards the river side and one level on the uphill side. The northern part of the house, which faces the river, is sloped with one long running roof that is entirely green. Cut into the green roof are two asymmetrically positioned windows which provide views and light into living space and children’s rooms.
The eastern wall of the house is extended and recessed, allowing for natural light to illuminate the bedroom and the corridor on the second floor. The main living area, located on the top floor, is connected to an outdoor terrace and garden on the southern side. The living space, free of partitions is flooded with light from the southern side while offering impressive views to the river and valley on the northern side.
The entrance to the house is situated on the waterfront side. An outdoor staircase takes the residents to the terraces and gardens above the house. On the ground floor, parking for one car is provided in a garage, and there is a mechanical room for a heat pump and a ventilation system.
The load-bearing structure is made of reinforced concrete and steel. On the façade, black aluminium cladding sheets were used. All windows have aluminium frames; the sidewall of the inner staircase is made of profile milk glass. On the green roof, several layers of drainage, filtration and protective films were employed.
The house is heated by a geothermal pump and has warm-air ventilation with recuperation.
