Villa LUČINY

Villa as a gallery

The villa project is the work of the KarešArch studio. This realization is an example of how we build upon an existing design by another architect. If, as in this case, the interior project starts on time, there is room to address everything from construction details to the interior, resulting in a perfectly completed villa in every aspect. The interior is then in perfect symbiosis with the exterior, and that’s how it should be.

What about the open space?

From the very beginning, we considered various options for what to place in the open space at the center of the house. We considered, for example, a kitchen partially under the stairs, with a dining table and a striking chandelier suspended one floor higher. In the end, we decided on a solution where the kitchen remained in the lower part with a classic ceiling height, while the open space became the living room. The TV in this space is not the focal point – the dominant feature of the house is the art, and the TV is more hidden beneath the staircase, thus giving space to the artworks, which are the true values of this interior.

Unconventional microcement

Because the interior is not just white, we opted for bold combinations of colored concrete microcements and rusty steel. The microcement itself becomes a work of art in its own right. We didn’t stop at the floor; in the kitchen, we extended the microcement up onto the walls. We even used the colored microcement on the steps of the staircase, which gives the space a unique and dynamic character. Microcements are one of our favorite materials due to their incredible practicality, and because we use them often, we enjoy experimenting with them and finding new ways to incorporate them.

The railing that challenged us

When solving the railing, we tried countless variations. Using only a glass railing felt too bland, while mesh would have been too wild. We needed to create a backdrop for art. In the end, we decided to extend the monolithic concrete wall in the living room up to the height of the railing, creating a larger surface for the artwork. The second part of the railing on the upper floor remained glass, so the paintings would be visible from the lower floor. The staircase was then complemented by a solid corten steel railing, which stands out for its texture and character.

Echo

Perhaps the biggest issue was the incredible echo. In such a large and open space, the echo became very unpleasant. Soft speech turned into noise when it reached the upper floor, making it impossible to understand when needed. The solution was acoustic panels on the ceiling, but at the time, the choice of finishes was limited, and we didn’t want to cover up the beautiful exposed ceiling. In the end, we chose the option of a precise realistic photograph of the ceiling, which was then printed onto an acoustic surface, and it turned out to be the ideal choice. The exposed ceiling remained, and the echo disappeared.

Relaxation with a view

Thanks to the villa offering plenty of privacy and a beautiful view of the greenery, placing the bathtub in the corner of the space seemed like the perfect choice. We wanted to make the most of this space, so we designed the bathtub to be a place for relaxation with a stunning view of the surrounding nature. We further brought the greenery into the interior with a large mirror that reflects and amplifies the natural look of the exterior. This not only visually enlarges the space but also enhances the feeling of connection with nature, creating a harmonious environment for peaceful moments of rest.

We extend history

Another interesting challenge was incorporating an old table, which is a favorite piece of investors. This table has not only practical but also emotional value for them. To give it a new life, we decided to cut it into smaller pieces and creatively modify it. The result is a unique piece of furniture that now serves as a modern interpretation of the original table. Although it looks like we have completely transformed it, we have preserved a piece of the original history in it. And Martin has once again managed to create another "sacrificial" table with a cross in the middle.

Does it end with the interior?

In this case, definitely not. Instead of traditional white plaster, we designed the house’s facade with Sto signature material, which gave the entire building a modern and unique look. In some areas, we used a scratched effect, adding texture and depth.

At the same time, we connected the interior and exterior through the use of corten steel. This design element also appears on various features in the garden, such as fences, supports, or the garden fountain on the terrace. This interconnected design links the interior with the exterior, creating a harmonious whole where every detail has its place and purpose.

Are you curious about how we approach similar interior projects? Read more about it here in the INTERIORS section.

by Radka - 27. 1. 2025