Czech studio Malý Chmel has unveiled an innovative residential project known as the House with Seven Floors, tailored for a young family with two children. This home is a true reflection of its inhabitants’ active lifestyle, as they are enthusiastic athletes and admirers of modern architecture. The design challenge was to create a functional yet intricate space within a limited budget, resulting in a unique concrete ‘cave of light’ that harmonizes comfort, playfulness, and affordability.
Nestled on a sloped suburban lot, the house boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its distinctive irregular pentagon footprint, covering approximately 63 square meters, sets it apart from the more conventional neighboring homes. The vertical design maximizes space efficiency, allowing for a generous garden area. This clever layout fosters a sense of spaciousness, even within its compact dimensions, as the structure gracefully follows the contours of the terrain.
The architects at Malý Chmel conceptualized the House with Seven Floors as a ‘vertical cave of light,’ where the interior is organized across staggered levels, each offering unique lighting and privacy conditions. This innovative arrangement cultivates a dynamic and open atmosphere that invites exploration and interaction. Each floor reveals a different viewpoint, whether it’s the exterior landscape or various sections of the home. With adjustable curtains, the family can easily manage light and privacy, creating a versatile ambiance that shifts throughout the day.
Organized across seven vertical levels, the design maximizes the compact space for a variety of family activities. The ground floor serves as the main communal area, where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces converge to create the heart of the home. This vibrant social hub invites family gatherings and shared moments, fostering a sense of togetherness.
The entrance to the house is situated on the second level, providing a welcoming transition into the living space. The third and fourth levels are thoughtfully dedicated to the children’s bedrooms, offering them private retreats for both play and rest. These personal spaces are designed to encourage creativity and relaxation, ensuring that each child has a sanctuary of their own.
On the fifth level, a well-appointed bathroom caters to the family’s needs, while the sixth level is home to a functional office space. This arrangement allows for a seamless blend of work and home life, promoting productivity without sacrificing comfort. The seventh and topmost level is reserved for the master bedroom, a serene escape that offers maximum privacy and breathtaking panoramic views.
A striking central triangular staircase serves as both a functional and aesthetic feature, connecting all floors without the need for traditional hallways. This innovative design choice enhances the flow of the home, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The interiors of the House of Seven Floors, crafted by Malý Chmel, embrace a minimalist philosophy, with exposed concrete walls that function as both structural and sculptural elements.
The interplay of natural light and raw concrete generates dynamic shadow patterns, enriching the space with depth and texture. This experimental approach evolved alongside the construction process, with insights from the raw structure shaping the final interior design. The result is a secure yet inviting environment, characterized by a harmonious blend of exposed concrete, expansive windows, and carefully considered lighting. Additionally, the compact vertical design promotes energy efficiency, with the thermal mass of the concrete helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the seasons.