shelter

The Diamond Shed

I was approached by Honza Holcek, who mapped out a network of long-distance hiking trails across the Czech Republic called VIA CZECHIA, to design a simple shelter. A small structure for overnight stays that could be placed along his trails in more remote parts of the country. When I presented the final design, Honza told me that in the meantime he had reached an agreement with Lesy ČR, who had commissioned someone else to design the shelter. So the collaboration fell through.

Nevertheless, there is still hope that one day you might come across this shelter somewhere in the landscape!

Modern-day long-distance pilgrimages are a phenomenon. Spending long days walking through the countryside, dealing with smelly hiking boots, the aroma of instant food in the evening and contemplating the meaning of life can be an appealing escape from the safely boring routine of everyday life.

Designing a structure for wanderers in the diverse Czech landscape is not exactly a simple task. Especially when its exact location is unknown in advance — and may even change during the building’s lifetime. And above all, the design should not be so overdone that it disrupts its surroundings or invites unnecessary Instagram photos.

The inspiration for this design came from a feeding shelter — those almost invisible structures that can be found scattered throughout the countryside, characterised by their steep pitched roofs with generous overhangs and minimal foundations in the form of splayed legs.

The result is a simple little wooden hut that can easily be transported to its destination on a trailer pulled by a tractor or car. It can be founded in several simple ways. The roof extends far enough to keep rainwater out. The door has a large handle and a threshold — the handle for opening it while wearing gloves, and the threshold to keep snow from getting inside.

There are only minimal windows, providing a little daylight and ventilation. There is space for five people to sleep: four on the lower level, including their backpacks, and one above in the attic. Five people can sit around a small table beneath the window, where food can be prepared and steam from the cooking can escape directly outside. There is also space for drying clothes and a few shelves for a guestbook and small tokens left by visitors.

The shelter can be adapted into three versions — enclosed, semi-open or open — depending on its location and needs.

Simply a small, durable and practical structure that can serve those passing through.