Charred-timber cladding covers the facades and roof of this cottage in the Czech countryside, which local studio Mjölk Architekti modernised by adding new openings and improving the layout.
The cottage is located near the village of Ji?etín pod Bukovou to the east of the city of Liberec, where Mjölk Architekti has its offices.
Top image: cottage by Mjölk Architekti. Above: the structure has a charred-wood facade
The clients owned an older cottage nearby that was too small for their living requirements, so they began searching for a more suitable property that would allow them to remain in this picturesque rural region.
This 1980s building occupying a woodland site on the slopes of the Horská Kamenice valley provided the necessary space in a good location, but was in need of significant refurbishment. New windows perforate the facade
Mjölk Architekti was tasked with updating the cottage, both externally and internally, to create a modern home with practical living spaces that fits in with its natural surroundings.
The existing grey render covering the exterior was replaced with timber panelling, which the owners charred themselves using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique.
The panelling covers the exterior walls and roof
This process of lightly burning the surface of the wood creates a carbonised layer that is waterproof, fire retardant and provides protection against insects.
The architects playfully explained that "the whole process [of charring the wood] took quite ...