Mountain Heritage meets Contemporary Vision: A sanctuary rooted in the wild landscape of Šumava.
THE CHALLENGETo harmoniously unite a traditional vernacular stone volume with a contemporary flat- roofed addition on a steep mountain slope, without disrupting the natural expression of the landscape.The key challenge was resolving the 'shadow gap'—the junction between the heritage and modern volumes—in a way that is honest yet elegant.
THE SOLUTIONWe implemented a mass - contrast strategy: the old stone volume remains as a heavy, earth - anchored base, while the new volume floats above it via a subtle shadow gap that separates the two eras.The facade of the new section uses local stone combined with dark timber cladding that integrates naturally into the coniferous forest.Atmospheric lighting highlights the material transitions at dusk.
THE RESULTAn emotive mountain residence that honours its place and tradition.The design successfully balances the rawness of stone with modern lightness, creating a sanctuary with a strong identity rooted in the spirit of Šumava.
Design Lead: Ing. arch. Ramy Almwafey
