One of the most beautiful projects we've seen in recent months.
David Kraus from the Prague studio Architektura introduces a project for a modern senior home that’s unlike anything else around here.
Located on the outskirts of Nový Bydžov, this new build shows that a place for seniors doesn’t have to feel institutional. It can be calm, natural, and architecturally striking.
The project boasts a usable space of 2,910 square meters and has a ground-floor house vibe – a long, low red stripe of bricks lying in a vast green landscape. Architect David Kraus went for a composition of 5 connected volumes, creating 4 separate households and a central communal core. The building is oriented according to the cardinal directions and symbolically reflects the elements (fire, water, earth, air).
The home is designed for around 60 clients. Each household supports 15 residents and operates almost independently, complete with its own technical areas, storage, and rooms for staff. The rooms are crafted to minimize lengthy corridors while offering maximum connection with the outdoors. Each room has its own bathroom, foyer, and small terrace.
Central to the concept are the internal atriums. Rooms and common areas are oriented around them, bringing in tons of natural light and offering a visual connection with greenery. Wandering through the home is intentional – visitors and residents stroll through bright corridors with garden views.
The main material both inside and out is brick. Each building has its own grouting pattern and different window shading solutions, helping with orientation and giving each household a unique character.
The interior features original floors created from photos of local plants and flowers. These also serve as a guiding element – each household is named after a plant.
The project shows how architecture can significantly improve the quality of life, even in senior years. Instead of an anonymous institution, a home emerges that works with light, nature, and peace – universal values for all generations.
The senior home in Nový Bydžov was completed in 2025, with implementation costs amounting to nearly 6.9 million euros.
Check out the gallery by Filip Šlapal.
