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The Double Gable House Merges Old and New in Pilsen

Located within the Pilsen–Lochotín district of Pilsen, Czech Republic, the Double Gable House, designed by PRO-STORY, breathes new life into a once-forgotten row of semi-detached family houses, each of which have been reimagined thereby changing the neighborhood’s original scale. After the surge of renovations and additions where the original character has been altered, the Double Gable House is doing more than just preserving history – it’s helping to redefine it.

Angled exterior shot of modern white and wood slat double gabled house.

The most striking feature of the renovation is the introduction of two archetypal gabled roofs, elevating the property’s exterior while creating a dynamic and inviting interior. The house now boasts different floor levels, wooden mezzanines, and an open roof volume that invites an abundance of natural light. To balance the light with privacy, PRO-STORY incorporated windows adorned with wooden battens, offering a play of light and shadow while maintaining the occupants’ seclusion.

Front exterior view of modern wood slat and white double gabled house

up view of side of white house looking through trees to sky

back rear view of double gable house with one half white and one half wood slats

What sets the Double Gable House apart is its seamless blend of old and new. The project preserves the historical elements of the facade, contrasting them with contemporary additions. The original plastered facades now match with a fresh coat of white paint, while new wooden windows embrace a minimalist yet modern design ethos. The gables, roof, and garden facade are clad in wooden slats, creating a visual unity that marries the past and the present.

angled back rear view of double gable house with one half white and one half wood slats

back rear view of double gable house with one half white and one half wood slats

sky view looking down at double gable roof of modern house

view into covered entryway into modern house clad in wood slats

view into covered entryway into modern house clad in wood slats with yellow door

The side entry leads visitors through a passageway clad in vertical wooden slats before arriving at a sunny yellow door.

interior view down long hallway in modern house looking to black heating stove at far end

interior view of double-height living space with seating area below and stairs to upper floor with bookshelves

The ground floor features a children’s room, bathroom, and a spacious living room that connects to the rear garden. Meanwhile, the top floor boasts a second children’s room and the primary suite, complete with a private bathroom and access to a mezzanine.

interior view looking at suspended wood room above living space below with window into bathroom with tub in front of window

The primary bathroom secures natural light through its glass wall, which also allows views from the living room downstairs and the mezzanine across the void.

angled view into dining room of modern house

long interior view of modern minimalist kitchen with dining table to right and wood and yellow cabinets to left

long interior view of modern minimalist kitchen with wood and yellow cabinets to left

The same yellow from the front door carries over to the kitchen cabinet uppers, adding visual interest with the happy hue and offset design.

view in modern kitchen with wood cabinets and yellow and wood upper cabinets

view of double-heigh ceiling living space in modern house with kitchen and dining room below and bathroom behind large square window above

view looking straight up in double-height living space to wood ceiling above

angled shot of modern bathroom with white bathtub in front of large window overlooking living room below

upstairs interior view looking down at open bookshelf staircase

In lieu of a typical staircase handrail, PRO-STORY incorporated a doubled-sided wall of bookshelves for maximum storage.

upstairs interior view looking down at open bookshelf staircase

upstairs interior view looking down at open bookshelf staircase

looking up wood staircase with one side of open and closed bookshelves

interior shot down long hallway in modern home

modern entry way with wooden cabinets and tile floor

woman and man standing side by side in black shirts outside in front of a brick building

PRO-STORY architects

Photography by Petr Polák.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.