Reconstruction of family house in Sala | benkobenkova

The story of the house began in 2018. The house is situated at the corner of a quite area of a well establish peripheral outskirt of a county town. We turned a standard cube-shaped house in original condition into a lively space for a young family.

The task was simple: creating common space to spent quality free time and at the same time clearly defined sleeping area of the house.

We added more light to the house and focused on the kitchen – living room – dining - garden area as the space where the family spends most of their time. Simple extension with living brings closely outside area to the house. The hight difference involved was considered as an opportunity to create a staircase-cross-relaxation area, where the staircase serve both as a storage as well as living space. And finally, a large kitchen stove was placed as the centrepiece of open plan area.

The entrance to the house welcomes guest through the transparent doors and look-through across the hall all the way up into the garden. Kitchen with island is connected to the outside world with lower level living room and then into the garden. Small breakfast terrace serve a nice small chilling corner if some privacy is looked for. Outside terrace is large to allow children to play or parents for parties. Basement retains its main function as storage, however by adding a small english yard parents can have their own sanctuary too with lots of light and living space, just reflecting the need to have time for themselves in busy family life. The top floor was only slightly amended, it remains as space 2-3 kids bedrooms and bathroom.

We approached the reconstruction in a pragmatic way, what could be re-used or amended, we did. Original glass-concrete panels remained, as did banister as well –- we was only painted it, terazzo was cleaned, the floor in the basement was covered with pink (flamingo) liquid screed. The same happened with new features in the house.  New layers of lintels served as an interior detail – only needed to be painted.

The house is still growing and adjusting, its interior is adapting to its new life. This year was the time for the exterior, external insulation, green grass on the roof extension. The outdoor space is now being cleaned up, garden is getting into shape – It is part of the process – its part of life !