House Oskar, designed by architect Jan Žaloudek, is nestled within a sprawling garden that once belonged to a castle near the village of Kamenná Lhota in South Bohemia. The spirit of this unique location is enriched by the ruins of Baroque barns, centuries-old mature trees, and stone walls that encircle the estate, blending seamlessly with the idyllic rural landscape.
This home reflects themes of contemplation, inspiration, and relaxation. Built by the architect for himself and his family, Jan Žaloudek, alongside his wife Jolanta Trojak—a distinguished art historian and writer—envisioned a sanctuary where individuals could connect intimately with nature or find solitude to rejuvenate both body and mind. Their vision fosters not only rest and recreation but also acts as a wellspring of creativity and inspiration, integral to their daily lives.
Every detail is thoughtfully considered, transforming everyday routines into meaningful, intimate experiences. House Oskar represents a unique microcosm—a harmonious refuge where sleeping, reading, dining, and creative pursuits coexist, all seamlessly integrated with the surrounding natural world beyond the windows.
The design of the residence responds to the local terrain and the constraints imposed by cultural heritage preservation. The architects integrated the building sensitively into the landscape and historical context, ensuring it complements—not competes with—the castle’s charm, radiating timeless appeal.
Inspired by the concept of a small church absent from the village, the architecture blends contrasting elements: old and new, inside and outside, perfection and imperfection. Drawing from the vernacular style of local farmhouses, it respects traditional elongated house forms with gable roofs.
A signature element is the perforated brick and stone façade, reminiscent of nearby historic buildings, featuring openings that provide natural light and ventilation.
This intricate detail blocks direct sunlight on the south-facing wall and inspires the design of wooden sunshades on the other facades. Each facade of the compact residence features niches, referencing Baroque architectural forms. These niches create the entrance vestibule and loggia, providing versatile shading options.
The house can fully open to the landscape, allowing residents to engage with the outdoors, or close off to emphasize peaceful, contemplative moments. Building materials highlight local character: load-bearing walls constructed from insulated ceramic bricks and reinforced concrete; white plaster exterior walls echo the color and texture of neighboring structures; roofs clad in fired ceramic tiles; and sun visors crafted from white-painted Czech fir and spruce.
Life here is intimately connected to natural rhythms and the movements of sunlight. From the bedroom and main living room overlooking the orchard, residents can enjoy views of both sunrise and moonrise. The south facade features perforated gable walls and prominent circular windows, linking social spaces with the courtyard and barn ruins. Large openings blend indoor and outdoor areas, extending to wooden terraces, lush greenery, and ancient stone walls.
The entrance niche on the west facade shields the home from village views, while arched niches on the north mountain-facing wall bring light into the bedroom, bathroom, and utility room, mirroring the curves of the nearby Baroque castle. The white sunshade modulates sunlight throughout the day, transforming sun-filled rooms into magical spaces of light and shadow. At night, the lighting reverses: glowing niches illuminate the structure, reflecting softly on the surrounding landscape.
Interior lighting is understated, combining simple white lamps with Japanese paper lanterns and the warm flicker of a wood-burning stove.
Behind the traditional exterior lies a distinctive and thoughtful interior. Contrary to the cool white façade, the interior exudes warmth and softness. The main living area boasts a soaring arched ceiling reaching seven meters high, evoking a sacred architectural inspiration. White plaster walls paired with large aluminum-framed windows enhance the ethereal atmosphere.
A notable homage to religious architecture is the two-meter-wide circular window on the south wall. The heart of the interior is a curved wooden kitchen featuring a kitchen island crafted from Indian Shivakashi granite, reminiscent of a church altar, serving as the central hub for daily life.
The dining area, located on the south side, is furnished with oak tables and chairs, crowned by a 19th-century wooden carving of the Virgin Mary.
Opposite the kitchen, a lounge area with a long sofa offers views of the outdoors and the courtyard with barn ruins. Surrounding the sofa are tapestries made from undyed wool, adding texture and warmth.
The first floor also accommodates a bathroom, toilet, utility room, and bedroom. Throughout the residence, custom wooden and stone furniture designed by the architect ensures a cohesive aesthetic. This includes solid wood beds and wardrobes, black granite benches in the hallway, and matching bedside tables.
The second floor functions as an independent apartment with bedrooms, bathrooms, and a workspace. Unlike the open, nature-connected first floor, the attic offers a closed, cocoon-like environment, ideal for contemplation, reading, and creative work. Small roof windows bring natural light into this compact, white space filled with niches and arches.
Art plays a vital role in this family’s life, spanning from Czech modernism to contemporary works. Their passion for art is evident throughout the home. The bedroom features a 19th-century Japanese panel painting, alongside large contemporary paintings by Antonie Stanová and sculptures by Michal Janiga. Stone carvings by Wanda Hvízdalová rest on a limestone pedestal in the attic.
The family’s curatorial spirit is reflected in every detail: a wooden ceremonial mask from Gabon welcomes visitors in the entrance hall; the main living area houses an African stool carved from a single piece of wood and an original ceramic piece by Martin Hanuš. Sculptural Akari lamps designed by Isamu Noguchi illuminate the bedroom and attic, while an extensive collection of art books enriches the home’s atmosphere.
A Living Work of Art
The Oscar Residence takes its name from the cosmopolitan composer Oskar Nedbal, who once composed the light opera Polish Blood at a nearby castle. The owner envisions sharing this extraordinary space with others. This unique, holistic artwork is open to the public through traditional leasing, as well as hosting artist residencies, pop-up events, and workshops. The homeowner hopes to foster a vibrant, creative community inspired by this remarkable residence.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up