House of Seventeen Herbs: a place where healing nature scents the interior

The interior of the inhabitants embraces them with a feeling of comfort, and thanks to the thoughtfulness of functional elements throughout the house, this feeling becomes a reality. The architects adapted the building for the operation of shared services, so even in the case of subsequent leasing of apartments, the owners will be relieved of all daily practical worries. And this is exactly what we discussed with the founders of the studio, Jana and Miroslav Stachovi.

The two main principles you followed in the design are cleanliness and friendliness of the interior. How did you transfer them into realization?
Jana: We worked with a materially clear concept based on a meaningful layout. We designed individual spaces as practically as possible, trying not to waste space while also maintaining a sense of airiness.
Miroslav: The Abertamy area and its immediate surroundings are characterized by meadows and vast plains that evoke a sense of freedom and a carefree attitude. The design concept of the house is derived from the principle of a herbarium. Each apartment is dedicated to a specific herb, which is reflected in the interior both visually and in the materials used.

In your interiors, it is typical that you dive into the smallest details, but this project is still specific. How?
J: We allowed the theme of herbs to permeate the entire interior. Whether through the use of panels embedded with herbs, representing practically an entire blooming meadow. Or through the selected ceramic tiles in the bathrooms—a uniform base complemented by smaller hexagons with a delicate greenish texture. Right down to the detail of the handle on the sliding panel or the photographs of the surrounding landscape that adorn the walls of the apartments.
M: And such a cherry on top. Mr. Ladislav Tuna created a board game called 17 Herbs. The goal of the game is to plant, pollinate, and harvest all seventeen herbs as quickly as possible.

Thanks to your focus and team of architects and designers, you have also contributed to the visual identity of the project. How do you see its relation to architecture—do you view it as an additional dimension to present your vision or concept of the building?
M: This is definitely a direction we promote in all our projects. We collaborate with skilled graphic designers and editors, which allows us to convey our vision to a broad audience and help investors with the sale or rental of spaces.
J: A meaningful logo combined with well-crafted and clear websites should be the foundation of every project and its communication with the public.

Interested parties can choose from one of 17 apartments to spend their free time or rent them out further. These are two different approaches to space utilization. How have you connected them?
M: The approaches may be different, but they do not fundamentally differ. We emphasized the creation of shared and community spaces. A secure bike room with a charging station for e-bikes and a bike wash, heated boxes for skis and ski boots, a sauna with a relaxation area, or a communal laundry are elements that visitors will always appreciate.

In both cases, visitors escape the daily hustle and mundane worries. Did you approach the interior design differently than when you create an interior that becomes the primary home of its inhabitants?
J: We approached it very similarly, but we emphasized the universality of the realization. Thus, the kitchens and bathrooms were created according to the same principles. By using standardized dimensions, we created the possibility of serial production in 2-3 design variants.

In your realizations, you pay attention to the context of the place. How have the Ore Mountains influenced the final realization?
J: The pure, calm, balanced, and healing nature, represented by herbs, permeates the interior, making the house a part of it; the inhabitants thus come into immediate contact with nature and can draw strength and energy from it.
M: The architecture of the building was also influenced, but in a somewhat different sense. The external appearance of the building significantly reflected the requirements of the heritage protection office.

The project is almost sold out. Are you planning another similar realization?
M: We are working on several other projects in the Ore Mountains. I will mention, for example, The House at the Crossroads, which is a reconstruction of a historical building and its extension.