Czech Republic: Architectural firm Stempel & Tesar has designed an innovative steel-framed residence, Villa Sidonius, perched on large concrete supports in a picturesque residential area outside Prague. Inspired by the historical villas of the region, this modern home harmonizes bold engineering with the natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the Berounka Valley.
Situated on a steep, forested hill, the single-story home is an architectural experiment combining structural ingenuity with aesthetic minimalism. According to Jan Tesar, co-founder of Stempel & Tesar, the project seeks to balance tradition and modernity. “The location is a beautiful residential neighbourhood with generous villas, some over a hundred years old. The new villa maintains a similar scale but was designed to be single-story, barrier-free, full of sunlight, and extensively glazed – a design seemingly at odds with the land’s morphology,” he explained. “Ultimately, all requirements were met thanks to the concept of a bridge structure.”
A Bridge-Like Structure
Villa Sidonius is essentially a prefabricated steel box, elevated on concrete supports resembling a footbridge. This unique design enables the home to capture sunlight and panoramic views while navigating the challenging terrain. The steel framework also supports floor-to-ceiling glass walls, ensuring a seamless connection between the interiors and the surrounding nature.
Access to the villa is equally innovative. A tunnel leads from street level into an elevator hidden within one of the supports, directly connecting to the home’s central living space. The interiors prioritize openness, featuring a combined living, dining, and kitchen area flanked by private zones – a main bedroom on one side and children’s rooms on the other.
Integrated Design and Landscape
The villa’s northern windows frame uninterrupted views of the valley, while the southern side opens onto a serene garden terrace with a pool. “The protruding parts of the ‘bridge’ contain two different worlds: the world of children’s rooms on one end and the primary bedroom with bath and views on the other,” added Tesar.
The entrance, at the base of the hill, features a concrete façade with a garage and fitness space. These areas overlook a small courtyard and are crowned with a terrace that blends urban functionality with natural beauty. Landscape architect Vladimír Sitta designed the villa’s surroundings, incorporating a grassy backyard and slate-covered slopes adorned with birch trees.
Architectural Legacy
Villa Sidonius is the latest addition to Stempel & Tesar’s portfolio, which includes other experimental designs such as a curved residence offering panoramic views of its natural environment. With Villa Sidonius, the firm pushes the boundaries of residential architecture, merging modern technology with the timeless allure of its Czech setting.