Receiving a request from a friend – a Slovak film director, architect Benko Benkova, together with his friend, visited an old house to turn it into his friend’s working space. The director wants to work in a tranquil area with convenient public transportation. Benko admitted: “First, I was not convinced. However, once there I immediately fell in love with this place and so did he.“
The building has simple classic structure with an extension into the garden. As the real estate agent would say that it was in the “original state” with tons of character. The house’s facade didn’t need much refurbishment, the original rough cast plaster was good enough. Basically, everything remained in principle unchanged during the renovation.
Except for the central part of the house, the roof structure also remained largely original.
“We had to open a part of the roof to add more living space for more people. With other spaces, because of the heights of the roof was limited, the remaining part of roofing space was not practical as then central area. Therefore, we decided to keep the original shape, added isolation and replaced the roof tiles.”, Benko shared.
As this house would regularly welcome 10 to 12 people such as a small filming crew, it should be a creative basecamp in a cosy home format – a good feeling place for discussions, get togethers, sharing ideas and presentations. To create pleasantness of guests and house owners altogether, hence, the large table, the traditional stove with area to lie down, the stairs leading to the bunk beds and kitchen around the corner. Everyone has room to do what they prefer: eat, chat, sleep, work, etc.
The master bedroom is situated in the original extension.
“It wasn’t in a great shape when we found it, falling part under a leaking roof. We opened the ceiling to add more room volume and make the room airier.”
Large bifold doors connect inside chats with the outside space framed by a pergola – which was completed later and it turned out to be the very scenic part of the house. ““It’s truly a mini movie stage – a play of light and shade that changes dynamically during the day.” It’s sometimes similar to a half shade or a chessboard.“, Benko said.
In the future, it will bring natural cover with bean plants, climbers and more. Here, the pergola will active its function to cover from rain ,at the same time, allow the natural sunlight into the house.
“As time and ideas come, I’m sure there will be further bits of fabric, some lights and maybe a grapevine added” Benko Benkova
During the pandemic, the interior work had been coordinated remotely along with online discussions on best use and place for the readymade furniture and other accessories.
“Finally, I left it as a small surprise for me to see how my friend turned it into his home once moved in.“
Benko Benkova
