The owners of the family residence on the outskirts of České Budějovice have surrounded themselves with nature and daylight.
The peripheral part of České Budějovice offers the tranquility of the countryside while providing the benefits of an urban area. The house inherited from the parents was originally visited by the couple only for recreational purposes for many years. However, the couple eventually decided to renovate it and fulfill their dream of living amidst greenery. “We have four daughters. I always wished for us all to meet here, even when the girls have their own families,” says the energetic owner of the house. They approached the renovation from the ground up, focusing on quality materials and ample daylight. Atypical floor plan drawn by hand Approximately half of the generous one-hectare plot is actively maintained. The footprint of the house occupies about 220 m2. “Overall, we manage more than 15 hectares,” reveals the homeowner. The immediate surroundings of the house radiate the owners' love for gardening and thoughtful enhancement of the exterior. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a well-kept pond. The facade of the original parent's house, which underwent renovation first, faces the street. Today, it houses the daughters' rooms. The main entrance is located in the yard where the reconstructed section connects with the annex. In the area where the annex was built, there once stood outbuildings. The new building respects their original layout, though the outer walls have been rebuilt anew from brick with insulation. The only element that has been preserved is the original gable wall. “Generating the atypical floor plan of the renovation on a computer in its creation phase was complicated. Therefore, a family friend who oversaw the design drew it by hand,” adds the owner.
A clear idea of airy space The main requirement for the future building was an open and airy space full of daylight. The brightness of the interior was achieved through a combination of wooden facade and roof windows. From the start, the owners approached the renovation in such a way that they wouldn’t have to make additional construction modifications in the future. They emphasized the selection of quality materials and energy efficiency. Daylight, the materials used, and the exposed wooden beams highlight the charming atmosphere of the interior. “We both love natural materials, stone, and wood. Therefore, when furnishing the house, we always agreed; we felt the same way,” say the long-time couple. To ensure maintenance is hassle-free, the flooring is ceramic and vinyl with a wood decor. The heat in the house is provided by a hot water underfloor heating system and radiators. In winter, a fireplace also warms the space.
The house inherited from the parents as a refuge for the daughters The original old house has transformed into a welcome refuge for the daughters, who regularly visit their parents. The youngest member of the family, who still lives with her parents, also has her kingdom here. Initial considerations for renovating this property differed completely from the final appearance of the space. Originally, the plan did not include an attic but featured high ceilings. “We needed storage space, so we built an attic in one part. We ran water and heating up there. And the craftsmen said that since we already have heating up there, we should insulate it. And once we insulated it, it would be a shame not to lay the flooring,” laughs the owner of the house. The unplanned attic became the ideal space for a brightly lit children's room and study. The roof windows served well here too. Soon, however, one of the attic rooms will be transformed into a dance hall where the owner can practice undisturbed. Living in the central space Where the outbuildings originally stood, a central social area has been created with a living room and kitchenette. The brief was clear: use natural materials and bring in as much daylight as possible. Therefore, large windows light up the entrance hall, which also allows access to the atrium with outdoor seating. The generously designed living area is connected to the kitchen and dining area. These central rooms are illuminated from above by roof windows. To prevent overheating of the interior in summer, the owners opted for the additional installation of an outdoor awning with electric control. The couple's bedroom is located behind the dining area. Thanks to the glazing in the upper part of the internal partition, it is well lit. Additionally, it features large windows with access to the inner atrium directly from the bedroom. The central space full of light is complemented by a kitchenette designed so that the owner has a good overview of the happenings in the house. It also connects the social zone to a winter garden full of greenery. The owners’ pride is the winter garden
The owners' favorite place is the recently completed winter garden with a beautiful view of the surroundings. “We had to wait for it, but the result is worth it,” says the homeowner with satisfaction. Thanks to the combination of facade windows and seven maintenance-free roof windows, the winter garden is filled with daylight. The white windows with a polyurethane protective layer and wooden core are also suitable for spaces with higher humidity. In case of frame contamination, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth. The owners operate these windows using the VELUX Integra® system. They have a remote control with intuitive touch control. “The advantage is that when it starts raining, the windows automatically close regardless of whether we are home or not,” they appreciate. Their love for plants led the couple to consider dividing the garden into two parts with individual heating circuits. The part adjacent to the kitchen is mainly used by the owner for pleasant seating or during makeup, as there is plenty of daylight. The remaining space belongs to the plants, among which orchids hold a special place. The couple loves them the most. “It was the most suitable solution. The plants require a special temperature and humidity regime. They are wintered at 10 °C, but at that temperature, we couldn't fully utilize that part of the house,” explains the owner and enthusiastic botanist. Relaxation in the garden The owner lovingly tends to her garden, where she grows various plants, flowers, and herbs. She enjoys life in the countryside and wouldn’t change it for anything. “I love working in the garden. I enjoy moving stones, redesigning paths, growing herbs and flowers. It is a huge relaxation and rest for me after demanding work,” she says enthusiastically about her fulfilled dream.
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