A Self-Sustaining Mountain Retreat Rises in the Czech Ora Peaks
A remote mountain retreat in the Czech Republic’s Ora Mountains has been transformed into a year-round refuge. The project reworks a former Sudetenland homestead near the Polish border, blending old and new structures under a single roof. Designers faced harsh conditions, including long winters, heavy snow, and strong winds. The original building was stripped of later additions, leaving only its core. Architects then paired the retained structure with a new build, uniting both beneath a continuous white steel roof. Materials were chosen for durability: iron window frames, reinforced glazing, and stone salvaged from demolished parts of the site.
Energy comes from a mix of sources. Photovoltaic panels on the green roof of a partially buried ancillary building generate electricity. A ground-source heating system, fed by collectors beneath the meadow, provides warmth. Water is drawn from a newly drilled well and purified on site using a root-based filtration method.
Safety measures include an underground fire-water reservoir. This system supports not only the retreat but also the surrounding woodland in case of wildfires. The completed retreat now operates independently, using renewable energy and on-site water treatment. Its design responds to the region’s extreme weather while preserving elements of the original homestead. The project consolidates fragmented structures into a unified, self-sustaining complex.
