Mountain chalet Na Kukačkách
realisation 2025
The mountain chalet Na Kukačkách showcases a contemporary yet sensitive approach to the regional architecture of the Krkonoše Mountains. While the exterior respects the traditional character of local mountain buildings, with a stone plinth and timber cladding, the project introduces a completely new spatial and functional organisation of the interior.
From the outset, the ambition was to address a common issue in buildings within the national park: as regulations prioritise the exterior form, the interior layout is often overlooked, resulting in dark and cramped spaces.
The building’s massing, the geometry of its gable ends and its material palette are defined by local regulations. Yet the project demonstrates that it is possible to honour regional typology while meeting contemporary expectations for a bright interior closely connected to the surrounding landscape.
The gable façades retain their conventional appearance, while the side elevations allow for the introduction of more contemporary architectural elements. This makes it possible to incorporate large-format glazing in the main living area and at the summer entrance, maximising views of the surrounding countryside.
Enlarging the windows on the gable façades was not permitted, as it would have disrupted their proportions. The studio therefore introduced a vertical spatial connection between floors: a gallery overlooking the living area was added, and the ground floor opens up to the roof structure. This brings in daylight from multiple directions and creates an airy, light-filled interior.
The realisation of the project was logistically demanding. The steep terrain and short construction season required fast, efficient progress. Prefabricated CLT panels Novatop proved ideal, as they can be assembled on the reinforced-concrete plinth within a few weeks. They offer structural rigidity comparable to concrete while allowing expansive openings and generous spatial continuity that conventional structures often cannot achieve. Panels from 3AE were delivered in exposed quality, meaning their timber surfaces serve as the final interior finish without additional cladding.
Close cooperation with the local contractor Registav also played a key role. Their experience with construction in mountainous conditions enabled precise planning of the CLT installation and reduced the risk of weather-related delays.
The architects delivered the project under a Design & Build approach, with design and construction closely coordinated to ensure the architectural concept was accurately executed and details carefully carried out.
The mountain chalet Na Kukačkách becomes an example of how high-quality contemporary architecture can be achieved even in a strictly regulated environment, resulting in a functional, refined and comfortable home in the Czech mountains.
From the outset, the ambition was to address a common issue in buildings within the national park: as regulations prioritise the exterior form, the interior layout is often overlooked, resulting in dark and cramped spaces.
The building’s massing, the geometry of its gable ends and its material palette are defined by local regulations. Yet the project demonstrates that it is possible to honour regional typology while meeting contemporary expectations for a bright interior closely connected to the surrounding landscape.
The gable façades retain their conventional appearance, while the side elevations allow for the introduction of more contemporary architectural elements. This makes it possible to incorporate large-format glazing in the main living area and at the summer entrance, maximising views of the surrounding countryside.
Enlarging the windows on the gable façades was not permitted, as it would have disrupted their proportions. The studio therefore introduced a vertical spatial connection between floors: a gallery overlooking the living area was added, and the ground floor opens up to the roof structure. This brings in daylight from multiple directions and creates an airy, light-filled interior.
The realisation of the project was logistically demanding. The steep terrain and short construction season required fast, efficient progress. Prefabricated CLT panels Novatop proved ideal, as they can be assembled on the reinforced-concrete plinth within a few weeks. They offer structural rigidity comparable to concrete while allowing expansive openings and generous spatial continuity that conventional structures often cannot achieve. Panels from 3AE were delivered in exposed quality, meaning their timber surfaces serve as the final interior finish without additional cladding.
Close cooperation with the local contractor Registav also played a key role. Their experience with construction in mountainous conditions enabled precise planning of the CLT installation and reduced the risk of weather-related delays.
The architects delivered the project under a Design & Build approach, with design and construction closely coordinated to ensure the architectural concept was accurately executed and details carefully carried out.
The mountain chalet Na Kukačkách becomes an example of how high-quality contemporary architecture can be achieved even in a strictly regulated environment, resulting in a functional, refined and comfortable home in the Czech mountains.
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