Pigsty Transformed into a Minimalist Summer House in Czech Republic

A former pigsty in the village of Panoší Újezd, Czech Republic, has been meticulously transformed into a unique summer house by architect Lenka Milerová. The project, driven by the client’s desire to retain a connection to her ancestral property, embraced a raw, industrial aesthetic, utilizing concrete and steel as primary materials.

The client, Mrs. F., inherited a large property but opted to keep only the dilapidated pigsty and a small garden, envisioning a compact summer residence. Recognizing the architect’s local roots, she approached Lenka Milerová with a specific request for a large window, which ultimately evolved into a comprehensive renovation. The design philosophy centered on exposing the inherent materials and employing fundamental construction techniques, allowing the concrete itself to define the project’s details.

Industrial Transformation

The renovation process involved a deep engagement with the existing structure. Stone walls were cleaned, and brick walls received a cement spray treatment. A significant intervention was the creation of new window openings, lined with monolithic concrete jambs that seamlessly flowed into a perimeter concrete bench. This versatile element serves multiple functions within the main, and only, room, acting as a step, wood storage, sofa, and even a bath. The windows themselves are constructed with steel profiles, designed without thermal bridges to maximize efficiency.

The project’s scale and ambition led to a surprisingly extended construction period, taking nearly three years to complete. During this time, the collaborative spirit between Mrs. F. and Lenka Milerová flourished, leading to Mrs. F. independently finishing an outdoor kitchen. The architect’s father also contributed, welding brackets for the front door, underscoring the personal and community involvement in the project.

Focus on Materiality and Simplicity

From a technical standpoint, the primary focus was on addressing essential issues such as winter tempering and floor ventilation. Other interventions were less constrained by standard thermal performance requirements, allowing for greater creative freedom. The resulting architecture is deliberately understated, with its roughness, imperfection, and simplicity harmonizing with the site’s inherent character and history.

Lenka Milerová, who founded her studio after graduating from the Academy of Art in Prague, has a particular affinity for smaller-scale projects and renovations. She strives to bring a distinct perspective to existing contexts, often using structural elements in their raw materiality to shape spaces and define character. Her work at the AVU School of Architecture, where she is an assistant professor, further informs her approach to design.

Key facts

This project offers a compelling case study in adaptive reuse, demonstrating how a humble, dilapidated structure can be reimagined into a functional and aesthetically striking dwelling. The emphasis on raw materiality and industrial design provides a unique counterpoint to conventional summer house designs, highlighting the potential for creative expression even within strict site limitations and a desire to preserve the past.

Source: Amazing Architecture, https://amazingarchitecture.com/houses/panosi-ujezd-summer-house-panosi-ujezd-czech-republic-by-lenka-milerova-architektka