A simple rustic retreat in the Czech countryside | Labor 13

A young family seeking a peaceful rural getaway selected a property in the northern Czech countryside. Once part of a farm, the property held the remains of a large barn which had decayed to the point that only portions of the stone walls remained intact. They hired architectural studio Labor 13 to design a basic but comfortable cabin that could be built at minimal cost, ideally using only local materials and workers.

Labor 13 placed the new structure within the remnants of the old barn, whose walls now form a semi-enclosed courtyard garden where the kids can play. The cabin is a simple rectangle with a shed roof hidden behind parapet walls. The interior has an open floor plan fitted out with simple finishes and a basic handmade kitchen with open shelves. Five pairs of wooden doors run the length of the living space, completely opening the cabin to the sunny courtyard. A large window on the western end and two smaller windows on the north side admit adequate daylight when the doors are closed.

As requested by the owners, the retreat was constructed using locally milled wood and recycled materials, including boards and timbers from the old barn. The cabin is off-grid with a well and septic system. The owners are planning to add photovoltaic panels so that they will also be self-sufficient for electricity.

Enjoy the photos and have a great week!

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Photographs by Albert Pražák, courtesy of Labor 13. Via Architizer and Inhabitat.

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