Villa Sidonius, designed by Stempel & Tesar architekti, rises dramatically above the sloping landscape of Černošice’s villa district. Perched on one of the neighborhood’s steepest plots, the house challenges conventional residential design through a bridge-like structure on pillars, an innovative response to the terrain’s constraints. This radical approach allows for expansive views of the Berounka Valley and the distant Prague skyline while ensuring optimal sun exposure, an element naturally limited by the north-facing slope.
HOUSING
The design concept stems from the idea of hanging houses, where the building is elevated above the hillside rather than embedded into it. A prefabricated steel framework, supported by reinforced concrete pillars, enables the house to float above the landscape. The external load-bearing structure, composed of HEB 300 profiles, spans an impressive 18-meter distance, forming the skeleton for the home’s architectural expression. The internal framework, crafted from IPE 160 profiles, acts as the foundation for the glazing, roof, and flooring, reinforcing the house’s linear and lightweight aesthetic.
Villa Sidonius is not just an architectural statement but also a technological experiment. The house features Swiss-engineered air-lux windows with air-assisted seals, ensuring a tight building envelope and seamless interaction with the outdoors. A heating and cooling system powered by heat pumps counterbalances the structure’s low heat storage capacity, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year. These elements illustrate the architects’ commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with a bold structural approach.
Access to the residence is a journey in itself. Entering through an underground tunnel from the garage, residents pass a studio and fitness area before reaching the foot of one of the supporting pillars. An elevator ascends to the main living level, stopping at an intermediate service space along the way. This vertical transition from subterranean entry to elevated living quarters enhances the experience of arrival, reinforcing the house’s suspended nature.
The spatial organization of Villa Sidonius reflects both its structural logic and functional needs. The central living area, encompassing the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces, opens onto a south-facing terrace, bridging the house with the upper garden and pool. The two protruding ends of the structure serve distinct purposes: one wing accommodates children’s rooms, forming a self-contained domain, while the opposite end houses the primary bedroom suite, offering panoramic views and an en-suite bath that transforms everyday rituals into a sensory experience.
A close collaboration with landscape architect Vladimír Sitta resulted in a slate-covered slope punctuated by birch trees, an intentional design choice that complements the house’s steel and glass framework. The garden and pool areas were conceived in tandem with the architectural form, ensuring a holistic approach where built and natural elements coexist seamlessly.
Villa Sidonius is the outcome of a highly collaborative process, engaging a team of architects, engineers, and specialists to execute its unique structural and technological ambitions. The homeowner played an integral role in shaping the project, demonstrating how client involvement can enhance architectural outcomes. By defying traditional residential typologies, this house stands as a testament to innovation, precision engineering, and the power of visionary thinking.
wow this is one is a dream! what an amazing location and solution for it! Bravo Stempel & Tesar