A contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional Czech village

Oaks is created on a vision for a modern Czech community in the countryside where life revolves around healthy, active, outdoor living. JTP was commissioned to prepare a Pattern Book, masterplan, development framework, detailed housing typology design, and the co-ordination of an international design team through collaborative workshops with shared physical and digital models.

Crucially, JTP created a Pattern Book which documented the DNA of Czech villages and served to inform the design of the masterplan, landscape, and individual buildings. The Pattern Book identified the unique characteristics of Czech villages, and informed every aspect of the project in terms of pattern, form, building typologies, colour and materials.

The use of natural materials has been at the heart of the project’s design ethos, demonstrating the value of collaboration and collective innovation to produce a unique place that respects its physical and cultural context.

The masterplan includes homes set out within four neighbourhoods, with the historic hunting lodge renovated as the golf club and country club, forming the centre of activity as the community hub.

Phase 1 features the village square and two apartment blocks by JTP and Chapman Taylor, and three houses by McGarry Moon. JTP’s apartments are configured around four courtyards and bring in the surrounding countryside through framed views to create homes with a strong connection to the natural world beyond.

The forthcoming phases will introduce a school, tennis academy and a village green to act as the heart of the neighbourhood. This communal design focuses on ‘quality of life’ to promote a healthy and active environment for people to call home.

The team were inspired by ‘pohoda’ – a Czech term that means a person’s wellbeing and contentment which can be maximised by being outdoors. To achieve this, each space is connected to the landscape through patios, balconies, spacious rooms, large openings, and gardens, which have been designed as natural extensions of the indoor living spaces. By embracing and inviting the site’s biodiversity-rich landscape of woodlands, hills, and ponds into the home, offers occupants a calming environment focusing on relaxation and good health.

Regular charrettes brought the teams together to discuss the proposals, share ideas, and co-ordinate thinking. A large-scale site model proved key to co-ordination and allowed the architects to test their proposals within the overall masterplan.