Project: Villa Sidonius
Architecture: Stempel & Tesar architekti
Author: Ján Stempel, Jan Jakub Tesař
Location: Czech Republic
Area: 330 m2 house, 135 m2 garage
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Filip Šlapal
Villa Sidonius rises boldly at the northern foot of Babka Hill, redefining hillside living near Prague. Moreover, this family home stands out for its daring bridge‑like form, which captures sweeping views of the Berounka Valley, the Bohemian Karst hills, and the distant Prague skyline. Consequently, Villa Sidonius transforms a steep, shaded site into a light‑filled retreat that seamlessly blends innovation with nature.
Overcoming Steep Site Challenges
First, the project team tackled one of the steepest and highest plots in the historic villa district of Černošice. Next, they sought to maximize sunlight and panoramic vistas while ensuring easy access. As a result, the architects conceived a hanging structure on concrete pillars—lifting living spaces above the slope. Furthermore, an underground tunnel from the garage leads to an elevator that rises directly to the main floor, eliminating long stair climbs and making daily life effortless.
Innovative Bridge‑Like Structure
Villa Sidonius employs a prefabricated steel frame that spans an eighteen‑meter gap between reinforced concrete supports. Additionally, the external load‑bearing frame uses HEB 300 steel profiles, while an internal IPE 160 framework supports windows, floors, and roof. Consequently, this structural approach allowed the design team to push technological boundaries. Moreover, high‑performance Swiss air‑lux windows and a heat‑pump climate system ensure year‑round comfort in a lightweight structure with minimal thermal mass.
Seamless Indoor‑Outdoor Living
The heart of Villa Sidonius is an open living room with a kitchen and dining area that flows onto a south‑facing terrace. Furthermore, the terrace connects directly to a vegetated slope and upper garden pool area. In addition, the home’s “bridge ends” house children’s bedrooms on one side and the master suite on the other—each enjoying unobstructed views. Consequently, every space feels deeply connected to its natural surroundings and bathed in daylight.
Collaborative Design and Landscape Integration
Moreover, collaboration with landscape architect Vladimír Sitta resulted in a distinctive slate slope planted with birch trees—mirroring the home’s minimalist geometry. Likewise, outdoor features such as the infinity pool were co‑designed to enhance visual harmony between architecture and landscape. Ultimately, Villa Sidonius exemplifies a cohesive vision shaped by architects, landscape designers, specialists, and an engaged owner.
Villa Sidonius stands as a landmark example of inventive hillside architecture. By embracing site challenges, pioneering structural solutions, and fostering an intimate bond with nature, it sets a new benchmark for luxury living in central Slovakia.
