Atypical (urban) and difficult location of this building – on a tiny parcel between bustling and noisy streets – was a real challenge and an inspiration for us. We wanted to create more intimate space and a place of rest for residents and at the same time to find the proper space relation between the historical house and its dominating neighbourhood – two-floor higher tenement houses.

Taking into account such spatial conditions our idea was to divide the house into zones according to the floors: the higher the floor, the most intimate and private zone. The ground floor intended for a ‘daily zone’ available for guests consists of a living and a dining room, a kitchen and a guest room. The second floor is a “private zone” with bedrooms, bathrooms and a study. Above the roof there is one more floor called “green oasis” that is a hidden terrace surrounded by a high hedge – the best place for relax out of neighbors’ eyes.

Three-zone structure of the house is reflected also in the shape of the building. The ground floor ground and gable walls preserve historical articulation. Above there is a modern metallic  ‘patch’ enclosing private rooms. Finally the high green hedge – like a cocoon - protects and creates the most intimate area of the house.

For us - the value of new architecture when rebuilding a small house comes from its origins – the building tradition. Although the conditions and usage requirements change, what is valuable and still possible to save, finds the proper place in the present. The new – on one hand manifests the diversity but on the other hand complements some deficiencies – the lack of greenery, intimacy, individuality. We hope the union of all these elements allowed us to create something more than just a building – a new quality in terms of culture, space, ecology, life. We tried to invent and define architecture of a local house again, from the outset.