Architecture often celebrates the immediate view. We see homes praised for their panoramic vistas and sweeping sightlines. The Villa Above the Water, a thoughtful project by 3AE near Prague, challenges this convention entirely. It was designed on a plot surrounded by idyllic wildflower meadows. Yet, the architect deliberately turned the home away from this open landscape. This decision was an act of profound foresight. It anticipated the inevitable creep of suburban development. The design creates a lasting sanctuary, proving that the most valuable view is the one you can control.
This project offers a powerful lesson in future-proof design. It forces us to ask a critical question. Should a home be a passive observer of its surroundings, or an active creator of its own world? The Villa Above the Water argues compellingly for the latter. Its brilliance lies not in what it looks at, but in what it looks towards.
A Sanctuary Shaped for Privacy
The home’s L-shaped floor plan is a masterstroke of strategic design. From the street, the Villa Above the Water appears modest, almost reserved. It respects the quiet character of its village setting. This unassuming exterior cleverly conceals the home’s true nature. Consequently, it creates an immediate sense of privacy and protection. The building uses the land’s gentle slope to its advantage. This allows it to remain low-profile from the entrance while opening up dramatically in the back.
Once you step inside, the home reveals its secret. It unfolds into an intimate garden that feels like a private nature reserve. The terrain is terraced, gently ascending toward an adjacent forest. This sculpted landscape blurs the line between the garden and the wilder nature beyond. It becomes a dynamic, living extension of the interior spaces.
The Swimming Pond as the Home’s Soul
At the very heart of the garden lies the home’s defining feature: a natural swimming pond. This is not merely a pool; it is the property’s liquid soul. The pond connects directly to a warm wooden terrace just off the main living area. Therefore, it serves as both a stunning visual centerpiece and an integral part of daily life.
Two massive sliding glass portals form the only barrier between the living room and the terrace. When opened, they effectively dissolve the wall. The living room, terrace, and garden merge into one seamless, flowing organism. This thoughtful integration of water and wood creates a profound sense of tranquility. It transforms the experience of living in the home into a constant dialogue with nature.
An Architecture of Honesty and Sustainability
The construction of the Villa Above the Water is as forward-thinking as its layout. The structure utilizes large-format solid wood panels known as Novatop Solid. These panels provide exceptional rigidity and fantastic insulation. Moreover, they help maintain a pleasant and healthy indoor climate year-round. This is a home built to breathe.
The façade is clad in thermally treated Thermowood. This material was chosen for its durability and its ability to age with grace. Over time, the wood will develop a beautiful patina, allowing the house to blend even more deeply with the surrounding greenery. A green mono-pitched roof further cements this connection. It helps the structure merge into the landscape while also contributing to its thermal stability.
Engineered for Efficiency and Longevity
Every aspect of the home was designed with sustainability and efficient operation in mind. The primary heating source is electric underfloor heating. It is supplemented by a cozy fireplace insert for colder evenings. A modern heat pump efficiently heats the water.
To further reduce its environmental impact, the home incorporates several smart systems. A photovoltaic array on the roof harnesses solar energy. A large storage tank collects rainwater for garden use. The construction itself prioritized recycled materials and vapor-open assemblies. To ensure the building’s long-term health, humidity sensors were installed within the structure. These sensors continuously monitor conditions, preventing hidden defects and guaranteeing the home’s durability. This is a house designed not just for today, but for generations.
Ultimately, the Villa Above the Water is a quiet masterpiece. It is a house that does not seek to stand out, but rather to belong. It prioritizes the life lived within its walls over the fleeting landscape outside. In doing so, 3AE has created a home that lets light, nature, and family life shine. It stands as a timeless example of how thoughtful, forward-thinking architecture can create a perfect world in miniature.
All images © 3AE. Check out other trending architecture and interior design projects here at WE AND THE COLOR.
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