LONG HOUSE (DLHÝ DOM)

The construction of long buildings dates back to ancient times. Their length was typically determined by functional or spatial requirements. These buildings are generally fortifications, engineering structures, industrial, or agricultural in nature. However, does it make sense to design long buildings when their form is not dictated by function? Could the length of a building provide benefits over traditional block or solitary structures in the typical urban scale? What are these benefits? And what impact would this form have on the overall urban context, whether in a city or countryside ?

The project explores the potential of the long house typology in both theoretical and practical aspects. In the theoretical part, I analyze projects by prominent architects and identify urban or rural situations where the length of a building could address specific issues. I create six model scenarios in which the length of the house offers a solution: 1. Interface House Placed along a railway opposite the station, benefiting from high pedestrian traffic. It revitalizes the linear area and creates potential for future development 2. Barrier House Defines a new edge of the city block, creates a lively street along the road, and acts as a noise barrier along busy road 3. Segregator House With most roads city-owned, land can be used for affordable housing owned by the city. Underground car traffic would create a safer, healthier urban environment 4. Bridge House Typically used for transit, these structures have usualy central city locations. Adding floors could create valuable rental spaces owned by the city, contributing to return on investment 5. City House A continuous linear structure connecting 2 cities, creating a backbone with essential infrastructure for future urban growth also out of the structure 6. Organizer House The building is placed in a district lacking a central public space, in the gardens of family houses. It organizes the heterogeneous environment of urban sprawl and creates a central public space In the practical part, I develop the Organizer House into an architectural study. I analyze how to design a sustainable building that can adapt to societal needs and function over time. I also explore its technical implementation, ensuring efficiency in construction, and examine how it can integrate into the existing urban structure.