In the quiet landscapes of the Beroun region in the Czech Republic, actress and singer Světlana Nálepková has created a residential sanctuary that serves as a masterclass in architectural contrast. By blending a century-aged rural cottage with a cutting-edge structure made from shipping containers, Nálepková has developed a living space that balances historical preservation with modern, sustainable functionality.
Světlana Nálepková’s Beroun home is not merely a residence but a reflection of her evolution as an artist and life coach. Located in the village of Zdejcin, the property represents a departure from the noise of urban living, offering a tranquil environment where traditional Czech country living meets the efficiency of industrial repurposing.
The estate is anchored by a century-old cottage that Nálepková acquired in the 1990s. For more than a decade, she has called this location her permanent home, spending years renovating the structure to ensure it remains in harmony with the surrounding nature. The interior is defined by a commitment to organic materials, featuring extensive use of wood and rattan furniture, centered around a large green tiled stove that provides heat for the entire house.
The “Výhledna”: A Modernist Expansion
While the main cottage preserves the past, the addition of the “výhledna” (the lookout) looks firmly toward the future. Inspired by a client specializing in container architecture, Nálepková constructed a multifunctional building using repurposed shipping containers. This modern annex serves as a dedicated space for her work as a life coach, as well as a sanctuary for yoga and meditation.
The design of the “výhledna” prioritizes light and warmth, featuring large French windows and a terrace that connects the interior to the landscape. To transform the industrial steel of the containers into a welcoming environment, the interior was fully lined with wood. This transition from a cold, industrial shell to a cozy, professional studio allows the space to function as both a private retreat and a public venue.
Beyond its use for personal wellness and coaching, the container structure is available for public rental. It is fully equipped with several bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and social facilities, making it a complete accommodation unit suitable for seminars, relaxation retreats, or overnight stays.
Sustainable Construction and Rapid Execution
The decision to use shipping containers was driven by both ecological concerns and financial efficiency. The construction process avoided the require for permanent, invasive foundations. instead, the containers were placed on support pads, minimizing the environmental impact on the land. To ensure the building was habitable year-round, the containers were meticulously insulated and finished with wooden cladding.
One of the most striking aspects of the “výhledna” is the speed of its realization. From the initial design phase to final completion, the project was completed in less than a year, demonstrating the efficiency of modular container building compared to traditional masonry.
Intergenerational Living and the Natural Landscape
The property is more than an architectural experiment; it is a hub for family life. The 64-year-old artist shares the estate with her daughter, Josefína, who works with autistic children. Josefína and her own family occupy the upper portion of the main house, creating a supportive, intergenerational living arrangement.
The family’s lifestyle is deeply integrated with the outdoors, utilizing an outdoor kitchen for communal meals. The residence sits on a sprawling 3,000 square meter plot. While Nálepková previously attempted intensive gardening, she has since adopted a more relaxed approach to the land, allowing the natural grass to dominate the landscape and focusing her efforts only on potted flowers and herbs.
Key Features of the Beroun Estate
| Feature | Traditional Cottage | “Výhledna” (Container Building) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Stone/Wood (Traditional) | Repurposed Shipping Containers |
| Primary Use | Permanent Family Residence | Yoga, Coaching, Guest Lodging |
| Interior Style | Rattan, Wood, Tiled Stove | Wood-lined, French Windows |
| Foundation | Permanent | Support Pads (Non-permanent) |
| Build Timeline | Century-old (Renovated) | Under one year |
By integrating these two disparate styles of architecture, Nálepková has created a space that mirrors the duality of her own life: the grounded, traditional roots of her family and the modern, expansive nature of her professional work in coaching and wellness. The result is a sustainable, flexible home that proves industrial materials can be transformed into spaces of peace and healing.
Currently, We find no newly scheduled public events or official updates regarding the property’s expansion. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on sustainable container architecture in the comments below.