The house on Otava is a proposal for the new Operational center in Strakonice located under the Povodí Vltava. The inspiration is its location in close proximity to the Otava River. In this place the river meanders, slows down and creates a bend within which the project site is located.

​

The building’s form takes inspiration from this water movement as well as it is a response to the defined building program and size limits of the site. Reflecting the functional requirement of the brief, an elegant curved roof was created that unites the two main programs into one building. The lower part of the building mass opens up a view of the horizon and thus does not disturb the panoramic views of the surroundings (Kání vrh).

Inside, the service and admin areas logically follow each other along a central corridor. From the service area it is possible to enter with dry feet all heated garages and warehouses as well as the covered parking for tractors and vans. The office spaces are oriented to the northwest facade, framed with lamellas which together with the covered parking lot and vegetation helps to reduce the noise from Písecká Street. Technical facilities, warehouses and changing rooms are located to the east and create a noise barrier for the offices towards the dog shelter. In terms of energy the building follows passive house standards and is self-sufficient by the solar cells on the large roof area. The main material is wood, which is historically associated with the river not only with rafting but also with the construction of water works, for example the “Čeňnkova pila” sawmill located near the Otava spring. The size and shape of the roof allows the collection of rainwater that is reused within the building. These features will lead to maximum self-sufficiency and thus also energy savings and cutting financial demands for operation.

​

The proposal respects the specific assignment of the brief translated into an elegant and functional building with its own presence. It takes into account the client’s vision of a rational and sustainable project that represents their organization’s value and identity. It becomes an example of how even an operational building can represent a positive relationship with the environment and how good architecture can enrich the local context and the everyday life of the users.