Český ostrovní dům (Czech self-contained house)

FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The subject of the project is to create an original concept of a small-volume family house for a family of four, combining contemporary living comfort, the most effective spatial solution partial energy independence and friendly philosophy.
For the proposed new building it was necessary to adhere to the classic archetype of family houses, which often appears in the area - a compact shape with a saddle roof, which closes the corner gap and creates an imaginary second row of houses. At the same time, it was necessary to respond to the daylight supply and maintain the current outlook.

Project description

From the conditions given by the zoning plan, urban structure and energy intensity, a compact shape of the object with a rectangular layout was designed. Shaping the mass uses the principle of pulling out the outer shell and slashing the inner mass. This principle thus creates the impression of slashing the wood and exposing the inner bark, which is also supported by the chosen materials. A very important element is the massive glazing of the south and west facades, due to heat gains and sufficient illumination. At the same time, this facade allows the interconnection of living in the interior with the exterior. With large sliding windows, it is possible to create an open space from the living room and dining room to the garden and the smaller terrace. The upper windows of the western terrace are of atypical shape and their edge is pulled up to the roof truss. On the other hand, the eastern facade is more divided by two types of windows into the bathrooms and hallways.
The two-storey house is simply divided according to the zones. On the first floor, social zone, we find a small vestibule separated from the corridor by a glass screen, then we enter a smaller corridor with a staircase to the 2nd floor. The large sliding door leads to the residential part of the house, where the corner kitchen and the pantry entrance, the dining area and the living room are situated. Underneath the staircase, the passage to the cellar staircase, where all necessary technology, food and seasonal furnishings - the service zone - are hidden. A spacious toilet was located in the hallway. The second above-ground floor is used only by the residents of the house - the resting zone. Parents' bedroom was situated in the west, offering views of the surrounding city. The children's rooms also use the abundantly glazed façades, which give plenty of light to work with, while the space is dimensioned for children's play. The rest is dedicated to a smaller bathroom with toilet and hidden shower.

Technical information

In order to meet the energy demands, a wooden structure in combination with a masonry inner load-bearing wall was chosen for this construction. For the walls and ceiling of the first underground floor, a masonry structure of aerated concrete blocks was selected. The remaining structure of the above-ground walls and the roof structure (except for the central wall support) is made of wooden timber frame. To meet the structural accuracy, the glass facade was completed with steel pillars with wooden tiles.
The external façade is unified with the roof covering; a light trapezoidal sheet is used here;

BASIC DIMENSIONS:
Land area: 374 m2
Built-up area: 80 m2
Total usable area: 173 m2
Built-up space: 672 m2

House is connected to the electricity grid, this connection serves as a
backup power supply on overcast days and lack of photovoltaic power generation, which is supplying the household with the necessary energy. Heating is provided with floor heating. It was also necessary to work with water management within the project. On the plot was installed
a retention tank that catches rainwater and then brings it to a domestic water purifier that is capable of this water
return to house circulation as utility or as irrigation for greenery.