Prague, Czech Republic
PDF1 - poster, PDF2 - katalog, PDF3 - article
Transparent space of winter garden is physically and visually connected to the greenery of the garden. It serves as all year around reading room, library, den for relaxation and hobbies. It is access from villa to the garden in the northwest as well, another one is the narrow existing stair by Kamil Roškot. Aim of design is not to disturb the original detailing and proportions of villa – roof/eve detailing, spiral stairs with oval window etc.
Structural element is the zinc heat coated steel structure with structural glazing of double glazed clear insulated panes. The structure is reinforced with laminated glass columns, in between those is installed adjustable glass shelving. The whole system functions as structural bracing. Sloped roof glazing has rounded glass detail for structural reinforcement as well as rain water distribution. The glazed wall, facing the street and Malá Strana views, is partially sandblasted to secure privacy, while leaving the views of the historic scenery unobstructed. System of glass shelfs has ventilated bottom and back to prevent condensation of glass envelope. At the bottom of the wall, floor installed induction forced heating elements are securing the airflow behind the shelfs, it has integrated linear lighting. For ventilation of the space is used the cross ventilation principle – doors leading to the bridge to the garden and on the opposite side the openable window pane. On the existing floor structure is placed new structural insulated flooring, with integrated water heating radiant tubing with concrete toping for conductivity. The floor finish is light grey granite tiles flooring with minimal seams grouting.
A construction of transparent volume ( form) on the terrace of the villa designed by Kamil Roškot on the slopes of Petřín Hill in Prague thus fits well in the typology of villa architecture in the central European climate of Czech lands. The original design is enhanced with the glassed-in, transparent saletel – winter garden and gives keen expression to the contrast between the materiality of Roškot's villa and the immateriality of the new addition: a subtle form of winter garden extends the asymmetrically- situated terrace when viewed from the north- west.
The deliberate contrast between the 'materiality' of the existing structure and the 'immateriality' of the glass addition also validates both the functional and compositional features of the villa. In this context, it accentuates the dialogue between the old and the new that originated with the enforced compromise between the baroque-inflected roof over an essentially functionalist building.
Architect Kamil Roškot designed a villa for his friend, Mr. Polák, just before the onset of World War II. It was prominently situated on the slopes of the Petřín Hill, just above the Petřín Hospital. While the house is characterised by the signature Roškot's massing - a cubic composition with terraces and a modest ...entrance, in the end, the architect felt compelled to introduce, not without hesitation, a baroque-inflected roof. The pressure of the heritage authorities seeking to maintain a suitably panoramic view of Prague (cf Building Permit 07/1939) had been at the root of this compromise solution.
The villa has not been hitherto published in the architectural press. Kamil Roškot's friend, architect František Maria Černý, knew of its existence and, in 1978, included it in the exhibition catalogue of Roškot's work. The present owner, a relative of the original investor, recovered the villa as part of the restitution process and took the decision of adding a glasshouse (winter garden) on the west side of the property.
The theme of the glassed-over space dates back to at least the Industrial revolution, as an expression of desire for a union of the interior and the exterior. As well, it demonstrates the effort to re- conceive the exterior as a transparent covered space adapted to the conditions of Central European climate. Already in the 19th century, exhibition pavilions, glasshouses and the so called winter gardens emerged in residential dwellings as a transparent, yet enclosed, space, simulating an open air feeling while demonstrating at the same time the 'immateriality' of the environment. The theme gained in popularity particularly during the inter-war period, when the winter garden became a frequent feature of the 1930's villas or served as an annex of artists' studios.”