A Hidden Glass Extension With a Reflective Ceiling Cracks Open a Century-Old Cabin

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Project Details:

Location: Polubný, Czech Republic

Architect: Mjölk Architekti

General Contractor: Aron House

Year: 2020

Footprint: 2,572 square feet

Photographer: BoysPlayNice

From the Architects: "From the front, the cabin is inconspicuous, one of the last ones before you arrive at Jizerka. But the other side of the building reveals something extraordinary. Behind the curtain of the original cabin, a glittering glass extension has sprung up and the house is ripe for the next act of its play.

"The cabin has stood here in a meadow in the Jizera Mountains for more than a hundred years. The world around it has changed since it was built from the timber and granite of the surrounding forests. Two world wars have swept through Europe, and the Czech Republic went through the dark period of communism and the frenzied post-revolution years. Now, the world has become faster and more connected, but some things remain the same.

"We refurbished the house with the future in mind, but at the same time, we didn’t feel like letting go of all the wonderful, wild, and unwieldy aspects of its past. It was essential that we didn’t strip the cabin of its intangible soul, the fragrance of the timber, and the stark chill of the granite blocks. We kept what we could. What remained, we’ve complemented with a new quality that doesn’t seek to compete with the past.

"The oven and the stove in the sitting room became the heart of the cabin's layout. Walking around the chimney is like spinning a time machine back and forth between the past and the future. It takes one second to travel through a century. A lightweight, transparent structure filled with glass panes defines a slightly sunken, spacious living room that combines a modern kitchen and plenty of free space. The rather unusual layout captivates with a multitude of vibes and atmospheres. The glossy, brass-clad ceiling reflects each shift in the outdoor ambience. A few steps back  is the old familiar Jizera cabin."