Historic French Mansion Under New Ownership: Villa Sidonius Now Belongs to a Prominent Business tycoon
Nestled on a steep hillside in the historic villa district of Černošice, Czechia, the architects at Stempel & Tesar architekti have crafted a one-of-a-kind, bridge-like family home. Situated on one of the steepest plots in the area, this badass architectural marvel defies gravity, floating above the land on slender concrete pillars like a lightweight footbridge. The surrounding district, filled with Art Nouveau and First Republic homes, has always been a playground for ambitious residential projects, but Villa Sidonius takes it to the next level.
The northern-facing hillside presents a few challenges: limited sunlight, steep gradients, and constrained access. Instead of surrendering to these obstacles, the architects embraced them for a postmodern, visually stunning design. By jacking up the house as high as possible and adopting a “hanging” design, they ensured maximum sunlight exposure and breathtaking views – making nature the star of this epic show.
The skeletal structure of this badass home is made from prefabricated steel, spanning a monumental 18 meters between the two concrete pillars. Slender external load-bearing profiles adapt to the extreme slope of the site, while an infill of additional profiles creates the structural framework for the house's glazing, floors, and roof.
Energy Efficiency and Access
Given the building's low thermal mass, heat pumps have been incorporated into the heating and cooling system, maintaining a comfortable temperature without breaking the bank. Swiss air-lux windows, which boast a top-notch air-seal, keep the house air-tight, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.
Access to the house is via an underground tunnel, starting in the garage and ending at one of the supporting pillars, where an elevator whisks residents to the living spaces. Despite the slick, sci-fi entrances, the home's layout is deceptively simple – a central, light-filled living area that combines kitchen, dining, and lounge functions and overlooks the north, with a terrace on the southern side that connects to the sunniest part of the garden.
Private Spaces with a View
The two projecting ends of the home contain the private areas, each with its unique character. One end houses the children's rooms, while the other holds the primary bedroom suite, equipped with an en-suite bath and jaw-dropping views of the valley beyond.
In short, Villa Sidonius is a marvel of modern architecture that pushes the boundaries of design in Černošice's prestigious villa district – a true testament to the power of function, form, and the connection to nature.
Credits
- Architects: Stempel & Tesař Architekti
- Structural Engineer: Aleš Herold
- Landscape Architect: Vladimír Sitta
- Photographer: Filip Šlapal
[1] Villa Sidonius (Černošice, Czech Republic)
[2] Villa Sidonius, a steel structure overlooking the Bohemian Karst and Prague skyline
In the realm of real-estate development, the architects at Stempel & Tesar architekti have ventured into uncharted territories by combining sports-inspired aesthetics with a stunning hillside residence, creating a standout piece on the Art Nouveau landscape of Černošice. Investing in sustainable energy solutions, the architects have harnessed the power of cutting-edge technology, such as heat pumps and Swiss air-lux windows, to ensure Villa Sidonius boasts impressive energy efficiency.
