Na Kukačkách: alpine tradition meets contemporary living

In the Giant Mountains – the Krkonoše, the highest peaks in the Czech Republic – the Na Kukačkách Mountain Chalet masterfully balances one of the most pressing challenges in Alpine architecture: respecting a traditional image imposed by a highly regulated context, without giving up the comfort, light and spatial quality expected of modern living.

Designed by edit! architects, the chalet takes shape as a bright, contemporary retreat, deeply connected to the surrounding landscape through precise design decisions and a technically refined construction approach.

Na Kukačkách Mountain Chalet, beyond regional typology

The project sets out to overturn a common issue found in buildings within the national park, where strict adherence to traditional forms often results in dark, compartmentalised interiors. From the outset, the design was shaped by stringent constraints: the external volume, the gable roof profile, and the material palette all had to comply with local regulations.

As a result, the exterior maintains a recognisable alpine character, with a stone plinth and timber cladding that blend seamlessly into the mountain setting. It is the side façades, however, that offer room for a more contemporary expression. Here, large glazed openings are introduced, enhancing the perception of the landscape and establishing a strong visual continuity between inside and outside.

The impossibility of enlarging the windows on the gable façades becomes instead an opportunity to work on vertical spatial connections. The heart of the house is organised as a double-height volume, with a gallery overlooking the living area. The ground floor opens all the way up to the roof structure, allowing the interiors to gain light, air and spatial depth.

Technical and formal solutions

Construction required an efficient and carefully planned approach, due to the steep terrain and the short building season typical of the mountains. The solution was the use of prefabricated CLT panels, assembled in just a few weeks on a reinforced-concrete base. This system provides structural rigidity comparable to concrete, while at the same time allowing large openings and spatial continuity that are difficult to achieve with conventional construction methods.

The choice goes beyond speed and efficiency, shaping the very atmosphere of the interior. The CLT panels are left exposed and serve as the final finish, with timber surfaces defining spaces that feel warm, restrained and welcoming. Combined with the generous glazing, the result is a strong perceptual continuity between the inhabited space and the surrounding landscape.

Process management was decisive. The Design & Build approach ensured direct and continuous oversight between design and execution, while the partnership with local contractors made it possible to leverage practical knowledge of the site’s specific environmental and construction conditions.

The project thus successfully navigates the constraints of a highly regulated context without compromising on the quality of living. The result is a refined, light-filled sanctuary where the mountains become an active part of the domestic experience.

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