Polanka nad Odrou House

Situated on the site of my own great-grandmother’s brick dwelling, it is undemanding in terms of square metrage and technology. Instead, it privileges compactness, simple construction, and carefully chosen materials.

There are two brick blocks on the sides, one with a private bedroom and sauna, open to the atrium, the other with children’s rooms and a shed. Daily life flows between them – from the street through the tree-shaded entrance courtyard and a covered parking space, around the kitchen and bathrooms to the living room with dining area, to the terrace, and finally to the garden. A concrete ceiling, which prevents overheating, extends out above the southern glass wall. The floor is made of smooth concrete. Within the interior, bricks are complemented by plywood tiles and furniture.

Some visitors are surprised that any passerby can see everything inside, but we don’t mind. We enjoy the view of the landscape, our dog lying on the terrace, the flower meadow in full bloom, the growing fruit trees in the orchard, the smell of herbs, and the rustle of reeds.