balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic

balda architekti's approach combines historical preservation with thoughtful modernization, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

Balda edited by christina vergopoulou January 14, 2024 3 min

Balda Architekti preserves family house in medieval town

Balda Architekti undertakes the reconstruction of a family house situated on the periphery of a medieval town in the Czech Republic. Embedded within a cluster of single-family residences, the dwelling occupies a distinct ‘island’ formed by intersecting streets. Originally part of an elongated building alongside its neighbor, the house underwent a significant reduction in size through demolition. Historical cadastral maps trace the structure’s existence back to the mid-19th century, possibly even earlier.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the house transformed into two separate entities with a garden in between. Formerly designated for recreational use, the dwelling underwent insensitive alterations, losing its rustic charm. A freestanding bathroom emerged in the garden, disrupting the original aesthetics. The new owner opted for a comprehensive reconstruction, guided by a single historical photograph showcasing the house in its original form.

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 1 — all images by Aleš Jungmann

reconstruction project rearranges spatial layout

The detached bathroom was replaced by a purposeful extension seamlessly connected to the house. The extension’s irregular shape, featuring a curved front, was dictated by the need to preserve the original entrance while facilitating direct access to the new bathroom. Additionally, the extension serves to enclose the western side of the plot, demarcating the garden from the neighboring yard. The extension incorporates a warehouse accessible from the garden.

The original building’s ground floor houses a living room with a kitchen, while a spiral staircase in the entrance hall leads to the attic with a bedroom and a small toilet. During the renovation, the design team at Balda Architekti aimed to preserve the perimeter wall, ceiling beams, and a small cellar. Although certain elements couldn’t be retained, the introduction of new structures was executed with sensitivity to the original character of the building. The reconstructed house falls within the Municipal Heritage Zone, requiring consultation and approval from heritage conservation authorities.

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 2 — Balda Architekti reconstructs a family house on the outskirts of a medieval Czech town

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 3 — the house underwent significant reduction through demolition, dating back to the mid-19th century

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 4 — a spiral staircase leads to the attic with a bedroom and small toilet

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 5 — the original building’s ground floor hosts a living room and kitchen

reconstruction-family-house-vladimir-balda-designboom-1800-2 — Balda Architekti retains the perimeter wall, ceiling beams, and a small cellar during the renovation

balda architekti reconstructs mid-19th century house in the czech republic - 6 — new structures introduced are crafted with sensitivity to the building’s original character

reconstruction-family-house-vladimir-balda-designboom-1800-3 — Balda Architekti’s approach combines historical preservation with thoughtful modernization

project info:

name: Reconstruction of a Family House
architect: Balda Architekti | @balda_architekti

lead architect: Vladimír Balda

location: Mšeno, Mšeno u Mělníka, Czech Republic

photography: Aleš Jungmann

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