Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - ForestForest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - WindowsForest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - ForestForest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Windows, ForestForest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - More Images+ 9

  • Architects: Uhlik architekti
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  16
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2013
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Jan Kuděj
More SpecsLess Specs
Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Forest
© Jan Kuděj

Text description provided by the architects. Our client contacted us with an idea to create a hideaway in the countryside where he could “hole up” and gather strength for his demanding work in Prague. We set off into an area between Central and South Bohemia where he comes from and where he has loved going to since his childhood. He took us to a spot in the midst of fields, woods and meadows, full of strange boulders, to a remote and somewhat forgotten place.

Section 1

The magic landscape together with the client’s aim won our hearts immediately. After a short hesitation, we decided to build the “forest retreat” (as we called it later) together by our own hands. The building material was given: the base was wood from a nearby forest, for the rest we utilized local sources and skills of local craftsmen.

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Forest
© Jan Kuděj

We designed a compact enclosed volume – an object resting freely on boulders with a stern raised on a huge boulder. The enclosed black object made of charred wood contains one interconnected space with the dimensions of 3.1m x 5.8 m. In the entering part is a flat platform with headroom just for a standing person; this part is opened by a large glassed-in surface offering the view.

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Forest
© Jan Kuděj

The remaining part of the object rises gradually towards another opening, facing the tree crowns. And there is a unique place for resting. Each step can be used as sleeping place. Under them, there is storage space; turning one of the benches over creates another double bed. Multifunctional space is suitable not only for dwelling but also smaller events, performances or just meditation. Both glassed-in openings can be closed by big shutters, the bigger one by a pulley and a hand winch.

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Windows
© Jan Kuděj

The basic supporting framework of the forest retreat is a joist construction which emerged from the cooperation with local carpenters. The outside is covered with charred boards with rabbet joints. The wood for boards and joists was taken from fallen trees from the owner’s land. The inside of the construction is coated with OSB boards in order to reinforce it and also with respect to the low price. The roof is covered by two layers of asphalt belts.

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Windows, Forest
© Jan Kuděj

The drainage of roof is secured by a steel L profile, placed obliquely, which serves at the same time as a rail for attaching the idler pulley wheel. All steel components were prepared according to our documentation by a blacksmith from a nearby village. The building was assembled during a few extended weekends between the autumn 2012 and the spring 2013.

Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti - Brick, Concrete
© Jan Kuděj

Originally published on 29 June, 2014.

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Forest Retreat / Uhlik architekti" 01 Jun 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/520223/forest-retreat-uhlik-architekti> ISSN 0719-8884

© Jan Kuděj

波西米亚森林寓所 / Uhlik architekti

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.