Atelier of a film director

November 18, 2022

A classic cube house from 70s by a simple structure was redesigned by benkobenkova with an extension into the garden in a little Slovakian village of Strekov.


The building was in the "original state" as the real estate agent would say but had tons of character.
The house’s façade didn’t need much refurbishment. Original rough cast plaster is just smoothed somewhat with fine grey cover, it almost looks like glazing. Otherwise, it remained in principle unchanged just added few perforations for the yard area.
Even if roof construction remained largely original although, the architects opened it in the central area to add to it more living space since the owner is a film director and this place will be visited by students and friends. The remaining part of roofing space was not practical to be used due to its height, so it has been decided to keep the original shape, add isolation and replaced the roof tiles.



"We took very rational approach towards the reconstruction; we aimed to keep and reuse original design elements as much as practically possible."



The house would regularly host 10 to 12 people, i.e. a small filming crew, so it should be a creative basecamp in a cosy home format - a good feeling place for discussions, get togethers, sharing ideas and presentations. Hence the large table, the traditional stove with area to lie down, the stairs leading to the bunk beds and kitchen around the corner. The bunk bed under the roof but straight above the table would be great for after dinner chats and discussions. The guests can watch the movies on the sofa or in the alcove just behind.



"Originally, we were planning for a window based working table, however as the construction progressed and considering the cost, the atypical made to measure features were reduced to stove, stairs and the steel double beam - items considered the best value for money."




Large bifold doors connects inside chats with the outside space framed by a pergola. The master bedroom is situated in the original extension. It wasn’t in a great shape, so the architects opened the ceiling to add more room volume and make the room airier.



The pergola was completed later - it turned out to be very scenic part of the house - truly a mini movie stage - a play of light and shade that change dynamically during the day. Sometimes you see a half shade, sometimes a chessboard. The aim was not restricting the light coming into the house and at the same time provide a nice cover from rain outdoor. In future, it will bring natural cover with bean plants, climbers and more. The platanus tree got enough space to be allowed to grow within the grid.



Photography MatejHakar

Architecture & Interior Designo  benkobenkova

SHARE THIS

 Contribute

G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.

WRITE US

 Find us on

Latest News

By G&G _ Magazine January 7, 2026
SAOTA introduced Lagoon Villa, an extraordinary architectural residence that seamlessly blends the vibrancy of Abidjan’s cityscape with the serene beauty of the Ébrié Lagoon. With interior design by Claude Missir, the villa epitomises modernist architecture while embracing the natural environment.
By G&G _ Magazine November 25, 2025
With an enviable location for those wishing to explore the city's art and culture, the Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel is an ode to balanced and functional design, with its aesthetic curated by Spanish interior design studio El Equipo Creativo .
By G&G _ Magazine November 24, 2025
Visiting Casa Batlló means encountering the genius of Antoni Gaudí in his most imaginative and immersive form, where this modernist masterpiece combines creativity, craftsmanship, and multisensory storytelling.
By G&G _ Magazine November 11, 2025
LEI Interior Design has been recognized with the Best Luxury Apartment Interior Design award for Mina Azizi , Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, UAE. This impressive honor from Luxury Lifestyle Awards reflects a thoughtful and design-led renovation that redefines what modern beachfront living can look and feel like.
By G&G _ Magazine October 28, 2025
Palmira an d GCA Architects unveil a room concept Praise to the Essential , celebrating the authenticity of materials and the elegance of simplicity. In a moment when travelers value emotional well-being and disconnection, the proposal reflects a new approach to Hotel Design, creating spaces that evoke tranquility, sensory experience and genuine comfort.
By G&G _ Magazine October 6, 2025
From October 22 to 25, 2025, the Ptak Warsaw Expo in Pruszków, Poland, will host the 9th edition of Warsaw Home & Contract , the largest interior design trade fair in C entral and Eastern Europe. This year, the event expands its scope, encompassing seven specialized trade fairs unde r one roof: Lighting, Textiles, Bathroom, Furniture, Kitchen, Build and Contract.
MORE

 Subscribe

Keep up to date with the latest trends!

Receive a dose of inspiration directly into your mailbox!

 Popular Posts

By G&G _ Magazine March 9, 2026
Between February 6 and March 8, Madrid Design Festival 2026 offered an intense program of exhibitions and events across the city. Throughout these days, it was possible to perceive the evolution of the festival, which expanded its program by integrating professional talks and meetings, revealing a strong desire among industry professionals to share the new Spanish approach to design with the world.
By G&G _ Magazine March 6, 2026
In a world where many hotels rely on polished aesthetics and predictable luxury, Piet Hein Eek offers a radically different vision. One of the most influential Dutch designers of the contemporary scene, Eek has built his reputation on redefining design through reuse, craftsmanship and imperfection. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the Hotel Piet Hein Eek - a project that embodies his philosophy and invites guests to experience design not as a static object, but as a living environment.
By G&G _ Magazine February 24, 2026
From 5 February to mid-March 2026, across three emblematic locations in Madrid — Institución Libre de Enseñanza, Plaza de Colón and FORMA — LOEWE Perfumes presents Crafted Garden , an immersive installation conceived for Madrid Design Festival 2026 . The project unfolds as a sensory journey inspired by Renaissance gardens, bringing together nature, fragrance and contemporary craftsmanship in a multi-layered exploration of design and olfactory culture.