Photos : BoysPlayNice
Before the actual application of the finish , we performed numerous test samplings directly on the façade structure .
As was mentioned before , the oak windows of various sizes and shapes are one of the house ’ s characteristic features . Architect Grégr designed the shapes with regard not only to the interior and its ’ views of the landscape , but also to the meticulous composition of the exterior mass . New windows are an exact copy of the original ones , including their surface finish . The metal fittings were restored and used again . The craftsman working on the windows spent over a year at the site , since he had to transport the windows to his workshop one at the time to ensure that the new ones were a truly exact copy .
The house interior suffered from the unoriginal silt and “ creativity ” of its owners from the second half of the 20th century . We strove to remove this alluvium to emphasize the original very simple but very impressive concept . Changes to the original lay-out were minimal with regard to present functional needs .
A super-elevated living room equipped with a hearth and piano space is in the heart of the house . It mirrors to the façade by its high double wing windows . Connected to the living room are a dining area and a former library that now serves as a bedroom . All the living premises are serviced from the hallway adjacent to the northern façade . Therefore the inhabitants would not be disturbed by personnel . Three bedrooms are located on the first floor . A new gentleman bathroom , that was originally not part of the solution , was supplemented . Very important was the new basement solution . The basement was previously uninhabitable due to severe dampness .
Now it was dehumidified , it is possible to use the underground premises as full-fledged part of the house and thus two dressing rooms , utility and technical rooms and personnel background were established here .
The characteristic design of the entire house is underlined by wooden elements , mostly made of dark mordant oak . We managed to preserve the elements referring to the American inspiration , such as the large sliding doors with a rare “ ejector ” fitting , unique banister ,
hearth or window frame details .
The quality of the reconstruction does not lie in any serious innovations but in the humbleness with which we approached the original design . We endeavored to save the beauty and historic value of the house and at the same time to fulfil the present aesthetic , functional and technical requirements necessary for the full-fledged life of the house and its inhabitants .
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