A Year-Round Cabin Retreat in Czech

This angular cabin was designed by the Prague-based studio, FAM Architekti. The architects were responsible for the design and overall delivery of the project on the behalf of a client. The building aims to provide the client with a quiet, secluded year-round getaway, that’s perfect for their hobby – yachting.

 

Lake Cabin - FAM Architekti - Czech Republic - Exterior - Humble Homes

The site was previously home to another older cabin that was built in the 1970’s. Unfortunately the existing cabin lacked adequate insulation and facilities. And so, it was replaced with this modern wood-clad minimalist retreat, which according to the architects, has an improved connection with the surroundings.

 

Lake Cabin - FAM Architekti - Czech Republic - Interior - Humble Homes

The exterior of the cabin is wholly clad in timber, and features a sliding timber-slat screen that runs nearly the length of the entire building. Screen serves to provide some additional security when the cabin isn’t in use. FAM Architekti tried to incorporate wood elements into the build so it would “respond to its natural context”.

 

Lake Cabin - FAM Architekti - Czech Republic - Stove - Humble Homes

The interior of the wedge-shaped cabin is mostly bare (however, it’s likely that the photographs were taken before the client “moved in”). The floor has been finished in what looks like a polished concrete, and the walls have been clad with a light wood.

Lake Cabin - FAM Architekti - Czech Republic - Living Area - Humble Homes

The ground floor is home to a large living area and wood-burning stove, a kitchen and a small bathroom tucked away at the back of the home. The living room sofa can also fold down to accommodate additional guests. It seems odd that so little space has been allocated to the kitchen and bathroom when compared to the living room (they’re on the same scale as a tiny house on wheels)

Lake Cabin - FAM Architekti - Czech Republic - Floor Plan - Humble Homes

The steel ladders in the living area lead up to a small sleeping and storage loft with a window that looks out into the forest. To speed up the process of construction, prefabricated techniques were employed. Sections of the house were built off-site and then transported and assembled on-site in just a week and a half.

For more retreats check out this unique holiday destination that allows you to “sleep with the fishes”. Or, this glass igloo hotel that provides you with night time views of the northern lights. See all retreats.

Via Dezeen
Photos: Tomas Balej

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

9 Comments
  1. Niall,
    I really enjoy the inspirational ideas for the mini homes enthusiast but most of these are just inspiration and would never be considered by a person of average income as “affordable.” I am concerned that actually getting an affordable, well-built, completely finished home is a pipe dream. I am a 64 year old retiring teacher who needs a BUILDER to make her dream of owning a mini home an actuality. The “plans” are numerous but I need a BUILDER! I have the property and a cash budget of 40k (That is what I have and that’s all that I can afford.) I have emailed about a half dozen “builders”. Not one has even bothered to reply. Your site is great and you seem like a terrific guy but I’m not going to build a hone by myself at age 64. Odd isn’t it? When we’re young enough to something we usually lack the $$$. Just saying. Thanks for letting me blow off some steam. I hope I don’t come off as rude but I need a house, not plans.

    1. Hey Vizavis – it’s true that several of the houses I feature on here aren’t what you’d consider affordable, but I do try to present ideas on the use of space more than anything, which I believe doesn’t always require a big budget, but creativity. I think it’s possible to have a tiny house built for $40,000, particularly if you’re based in North America where materials tend to be less expensive. However that’s not going to include land. Also, every house starts off with a plan from which you can estimate your build costs etc. Feel free to email me any time with any questions you might have about approaching your home. :)

  2. that should read: “young enough to do something…” It’s the teacher in me, I guess.

  3. Wonderful space…so available for thought, it is on the scale of an art museum, yet sharp enough for the warmth of a lake cabin….outstanding.

  4. Dear NB your weren’t listening to Vizavis. he said not only does he have
    40k but he also has the land!!!

  5. Dear Vizavis Don’t give up! I am living in a studio flat that I have reconfigured to house myself and my two eleven year olds with occasional visits from my other two children. Done on a tiny budget, not finished because I ran out of money due to the ceiling falling down but as I when I can afford to I buy something towards finishing it I do. You will be surprised at the people that turn up to help once you make a start. Friends came to visit me and ended up buying me a sofa bed rather than paying for a hotel – we had fun 3 adults and two children in a 5mx7m room! Keep visualizing!

  6. We are builder’s in NJ. And wanted to just explain how expensive the sliding window shown would be… pick up Dwell magazine an look for glass wall systems. 5k is just for a small unit. This cabin design, in an off-grid format, would come in around 70k. Costs are higher than one may understand.