It’s not often that one can visit a prefabricated house and spend two hours there, drinking in a nice and peaceful atmosphere. But when it comes to the first ever winner of the Czech Architecture Award, you get almost a zen experience. ZEN Houses in Liberec—the home and studio of Petr Stolín and Alena Mičeková—celebrate ten years of existence. 

The building of the family home in Včelná near České Budějovice, designed by Ivan Kroupa, had a difficult fate. Misunderstood by neighbours, mishandled by workers, and still waiting to be fully completed. But it stands. Confident and contextual. A bit reserved at first, but warm and welcoming inside. Truly reflecting its owner's soul.

The House in Zdiměřice, designed by architect Stanislav Fiala, then working as part of studio D3A, has appeared in quite a few movies in the sixteen years since its completion. This summer we sat at the same oblong kitchen table with the owner where once Jan Budař, Czech Made Man, drank expensive alcohol, the fireplace and the back garden appeared in a commercial for a home improvement store, and several well-known actors have previously relaxed in the luxurious whirlpool opened towards the main living space. But the same owner still lives in this same house.