Architecture studio New How has created an angular holiday home called Weekend House in Nové Hamry, Czech Republic.
The house sits within a forest in the Ore Mountains and is constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels clad in black aluminium.
New How designed the three-storey house to act as a lookout tower, with a square window on the upper floor that frames views of the tree-covered landscape.
"The idea of a 'lookout tower' determines the height of the house from the inside," said David Zámečník, architect at New How.
"It should resemble a tower rather than a house and should also serve as a hideaway."
The lookout is on the top floor, which is within the angular roof that was designed to reduced snow loads during the winter.
This floor contains a studio, library and relaxation space.
Below the lookout, the middle floor contains three bedrooms along with a bathroom and double-height open gallery space.
Within this double-height space is a netted area designed as a playful addition to the house. While sitting upon it, visitors can look down to the ground floor.
"The floor is partly formed by a net that establishes a connection with the lowest level both visually and acoustically and functions as a rest area," explained Zámečník.
"It's a place where you can unleash your imagination."
On the ground floor, there is a dining area with timber seating below the net, along with a kitchen and a dining area arranged around a central fireplace.
Throughout the holiday home, the CLT structure was largely left exposed. The interiors were finished with a palette of grey, brown and black materials that mirror the earth-coloured tones of the local tree trunks, granite and basalt rocks.
Other residential projects in Czech Republic include a glass house built alongside historic buildings for Lasvit's HQ and a cottage covered in charred-timber cladding situated in the Czech countryside.
Photography by Petr Polák