Situated on a hillside in the Krkonoše Mountains, Milada Chalet is a newly built cottage with a contemporary form that follows the scattered development of surrounding cottages. Designed by Prague-based architectural studio ADR, the residence is part of the small Czech village of Malá Úpa, a picturesque ski resort. Milada’s shape is inspired by the region’s traditional mountain cottages (and named after the owner’s mother and grandmother); it has a rectangular floor plan set horizontally into the slope. Visually, the cottage mixes urban flair and rustic charm, its lower cubic volume complemented by a gable roof with upper floors.
“For the construction of the building, a classic method was chosen — a brick wall structure with a wooden roof and a beamed ceiling,” explains ADR. “The outdoor extension with covered access is made of exposed concrete.”
The cottage facade consists of cladding made using rough-cut wooden boards painted with natural black paint. The wooden roof is covered with a corrugated grey sheet metal. The dwelling’s dark exterior provides a striking contrast to the snowy backdrop.
The use of concrete continues into the interior where a concrete pillar separates the living and dining areas. ADR’s choice of furnishings and materials is both smart and functional: wood is visible throughout the cottage, from ceiling beams, cladding, and flooring, to custom-made and built-in furniture crafted from lightly bleached spruce; a stainless-steel kitchen offers a cool, modern edge, while carpets and sheepskins add to a cosy ambience.
Designed for short-term stays, the cottage features a large ground-floor area with living, dining, and kitchen spaces; windows with black aluminum profiles frame the scenic mountain views. The first floor houses bedrooms and bathrooms, with myriad nooks and crannies. The uppermost part of the roof accommodates a cosy sleeping floor, with each sleeping space connected by a separate staircase from the main bedrooms.
Built-up area: 221 square meters (2,379 square feet)
Gross floor area: 362 square meters (3,897 square feet)
Usable floor area: 283 square meters (3,046 square feet)
Plot size: 976 square meters (10,506 square feet)
