House with an Eye
Papírové Square and its surroundings are a vital part of the city for our studio. Not only are we based right on its edge, but many of our friends and acquaintances live here, while others run the bistros and bars where some of us end up spending more time than at home.
Location:
Liberec, Czech Republic
Client:
Private
Status:
Permitting phase
Comlpetion year:
2023
Built-up aera:
93 m²
Architects:
Tobiáš Hrabec, Marina Pyzhianova, Jan Mach, Jan Vondrák
Design engineer:
Mjölking s.r.o.
Last night at Azyl unexpectedly drifted into morning once again, and I’m strolling home. It’s raining, but at least I’m not walking uphill. Daybreak is washing over Papírové Square, though I doubt I’ll see the sun today. I remember when Papírák was still just a remnant of a city. Like a few remaining teeth in the mouth of a drunk begging me for a cigarette on the corner, the site held out against time with the torsos of narrow houses, bricked-up windows, the charred ruins of a timber structure, a feather-cleaning shop, and parking lots all around. Then those last few teeth were torn out to make room for yet another parking lot. Today, you hardly see a car here, I think to myself as I turn into Lucemburská Street. New buildings have once again clearly defined narrow alleys that offer occasional glimpses into courtyards and gardens. I pause to light my last cigarette; through one of those sightlines, I catch my house winking at me. Today, no one would guess it’s one of the oldest buildings here, that in the end, it saw and lived through it all, just like me.
