Channeling the minimalism of Japanese architecture, the twin Zen Houses of Petr Stolin are great reminders that cost-efficient houses can look just as sleek as any expensive contemporary home in the market today. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were used in the home’s construction, a building system that cuts costs while remaining strong and energy-efficient.
Set in Liberec in the Czech Republic, the homes each have their specific functions: a living space and a studio. Small as they are (its width measures a mere 3 meters), the boxy structures appear spacious and airy with the architect’s smart use of furniture and the strategic location of huge windows, which let in a lot of natural light. Both houses are connected by a wooden walkway which is surrounded by a convivial outdoor space, perfect for entertaining guests of contemplatively watching the sun set.
Photos: Alexandra Tampa, Filip Slapal