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From offices to weekend huts, a small Czech studio makes spaces to be alone, or together.
When Adéla Bačová and Lenka Sršňová co-founded What a Hut, their goal was to merge design and architecture with nature in order to bring the tranquility of traditional wooden cottages and huts to modern living. The Czech company has succeeded in this quest with a series of custom wood cabins that are both accessible and incredibly versatile. From cozy offices placed in a garden in an urban setting to outdoor saunas built at the edge of a forest close to a weekend retreat, What a Hut focuses on creating relaxed, serene spaces where people can slow down, reflect, grow, and reconnect with nature. The company collaborates with local workshops to build the custom saunas and cottages, providing bespoke designs to clients across the Czech Republic.
What a Hut uses CLT panels to build every cabin, hut or sauna. Lightweight but sturdy, these prefabricated panels provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to create spaces of relaxation and tranquility. Additionally, thermowood timber facades and terraces ensure durability and resistance to the elements with minimal maintenance. The company’s offerings range from weekend retreats with sleeping, cooking and lounge areas to compact, multifunctional offices or workshops.
Designed to harmonize with natural landscapes, What a Hut’s buildings have minimalist silhouettes and contemporary styles that give a nod to traditional architecture. For example, one wood cabin boasts a gable roof and a porch, but a large circular window and a narrow, tall opening that give the structure an expressive geometry. As for the sauna series, the team kept the design extra-simple with cubic, rectangular forms and flat roofs. These understated volumes blend into nature with ease while offering the perfect solution to relax outdoors.
The What a Hut saunas come with either electric or wood-burning stoves. While the former provides ease of use, allowing owners to set the temperature and heating time with a touch of a button, the latter offers an authentic Finnish sauna experience. Depending on location, the saunas come with smaller openings or expansive glazing. For instance, an outdoor sauna installed in a backyard boasts precisely positioned windows that provide privacy. By contrast, a sauna in a secluded area would feature generous glazing that frames the landscape. The company offers a range of sauna designs to choose from and customize, from ultra-compact to spacious saunas with changing areas and terraces. What a Hut also provides a DIY version, allowing clients to build their own saunas, whether in an urban garden or in a pristine meadow. Photographs© What a Hut.
