Located in the Czech village of Krámy, near the Brdy Plateau, the weekend house was developed by the firm Anna Koukolová architekti. It was built on a sloping plot, bordered by a wooded area and a stream. The residence, constructed with a wooden structure, features charred spruce wood cladding and rests on a simple construction system, utilizing authentic materials and careful planning that gives unexpected spaciousness to its modest usable area.
The clients sought this tranquil retreat outside the capital at the beginning of the pandemic, ideal for spending weekends with their dog. They located two adjacent plots, situated just 40 kilometers from Prague, which descended towards a small forest. After contacting the team at Anna Koukolová architekti, the project evolved, driven by mutual trust between the architect and the owners, resulting in this unique wooden house covered with charred Scandinavian spruce.
The architectural language of the project is freely inspired by contemporary Australian residences, characterized by the fluidity of interiors towards the landscape, achieved through simple forms and the use of natural materials. Even with a usable area of only 123 m², the pitched roof in the main room, combined with large glass panels, generates a strong sense of openness and spatial generosity.
The project is based on two central concepts. The first is ensuring a permanent visual connection with the natural environment. Architect Anna Koukolová explained that the initial concept aimed to maximize the direct relationship of the plot with the forest while ensuring privacy from the neighboring development and the public road, thus establishing an intimate and reserved setting.
Although the facade facing the neighbors is closed, the glazed face oriented to the north allows the main social area to open up to views of the forest, the stream, and distant fields. The bedroom located in the private wing shares this same perspective. Strategically positioned windows frame new internal gardens, transforming the journey through the house into a succession of constantly changing spatial experiences.
The second principle adopted is the clear distinction between social zones and private areas. These are organized into two separate wings, connected by a glazed gallery, which has become a distinctive element of the project. Koukolová added that the simple functional program and the clients' trust allowed for the development of a surprisingly elaborate set, given that each section of the house has distinct spatial needs, which is reflected in its morphology. The main volume features a single-pitch roof, high ceilings, and an entirely glazed facade, while the bedroom wing is smaller, with a double-pitched roof, providing a cozier atmosphere.
Structurally, the residence sits on reinforced concrete foundations with a floor slab. Its support is composed of a 2x4 wood frame system, complemented by a longitudinal structural wall supported by a pair of metal pillars. The main room opens to the northwest through a light glass framing, and the interior walls are clad with birch plywood that includes acoustic insulation. Underfloor heating is assisted by built-in fan coils. A double-sided fireplace, constructed from locally molded concrete using wooden plank forms, serves as a cozy internal focal point and as a barbecue area on the terrace.
The charred wood cladding has a dark color and requires little maintenance, aging naturally over time. The material palette is completed by a graphite standing-seam metal roofing. The extensive outdoor terrace is made of untreated larch wood, which will gradually develop a silvery patina. The plot enclosure combines a reinforced concrete base with the texture of the wooden forms and vertical wooden slats.
Inside the social area, light birch plywood defines the character of the space, covering walls, doors, and custom furniture. The plywood-clad corridor discreetly hides the entrances to the washroom, service area, and large built-in wardrobes. Deep windows punctuate these continuous surfaces, framing carefully selected views of the vegetation. The private wing also features a bathroom equipped with a soaking tub and integrated shower. A burnt cement finish unifies the surfaces in a serene and monolithic environment, while the epoxy resin floor ensures durability and resistance to daily use and pet coexistence.
The architecture demonstrates a response to the sloping topography of the land, reinforcing the house's connection to the surrounding landscape. The original master plan also includes the future installation of a garage and an independent guest pavilion in the wooded area, without compromising the overall spatial configuration of the plot.
Thanks to the announcement of Friday, August 28th, as a public and private holiday in observance of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (peace be upon him and blessings of God), residents of the UAE will have a three-day break until August 30th without using annual leave.
Residents can spend these three days by taking a short international trip, crossing the border into Oman, or simply organizing a staycation within the UAE.
Travel websites such as Musafir.com, Holiday Factory, and Travelwings offer short international tours to countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Thailand.
According to Khaleej Times, three-night packages cost from approximately 1,200 to 3,000 dirhams per person, depending on the chosen destination, hotel, and included services. Georgia, Baku, and Armenia are options for those planning to fly in and out before work resumes.
Those willing to take additional leave have more options. For example, a package to Montenegro is available from August 26th to 31st, which would require extending the three-day weekend.
Georgia is gaining popularity among travelers from Gulf countries. According to the National Tourism Administration of Georgia, the country welcomed 145,513 visitors from GCC markets in 2025, a 3.4% increase from the previous year. Due to the approximately four-hour flight time from major Gulf cities, simpler entry options, and a combination of urban, mountain, and natural experiences, Georgia has become a popular destination for a short getaway. Furthermore, Tbilisi was recently added to the list of global trend destinations for 2026.
Salalah in southern Oman presents another option for UAE families who prefer long road trips. Using an approximate distance of about 1,200 km one way from Dubai, the entire route would be between 2,400 and 2,500 km. A family car with an average consumption of 10–12 km per liter would require approximately 200–250 liters of gasoline for the return journey. Depending on the car and refueling stops, families can budget between 600 and 850 dirhams for fuel.
Hotels can cost approximately 200 to 550 dirhams per night, based on analyzed options. Adding two nights of accommodation, food, border crossing expenses, insurance, and entertainment could lead a family of four to spend between 3,000 and 4,500 dirhams on the trip. Families can spend time visiting the Harif attractions in Salalah, including Wadi Darbat and Mughsail, and visit the new Salalah Eye, scheduled to open in the second week of August. Those who do not wish to spend hours driving can find flight and hotel packages to Salalah, some of which start from approximately 1,499 dirhams.
Musandam in Oman, often called the 'Norway of Arabia,' is a much simpler choice for residents wishing to cross the border without undertaking a long trip to Salalah. Online packages to Hasab start from approximately 250 dirhams, and residents can also plan their own trip by personal car.
The three-day break allows residents to leave on Thursday evening, spend one or two nights there, and return on Sunday. Dhow cruises, mountain landscapes, and time by the water make this option suitable for a short road escape.
Residents who do not want to fly or cross the border can turn the weekend into a staycation. The platform Cobone currently offers hotel and resort deals starting from under 200 dirhams. Reviews of travel offers conducted by Khaleej Times show that the average cost of staycation packages is 300 dirhams in Ras Al Khaimah, 375 dirhams in Dubai, 450 dirhams in Abu Dhabi, 495 dirhams in Al Ain, 500 dirhams in Ajman, 590 dirhams in Umm Al Quwain, and 600 dirhams in Fujairah.
The final price will depend on the chosen hotel, room type, meals, and dates. For those looking for something more unusual, Sir Bani Yas Island can also offer island relaxation without leaving the UAE. Regardless of whether residents choose a short flight, a long trip, or a nearby hotel, the break from August 28th to 30th gives them a last chance to relax before returning to the usual routine.
According to astrological knowledge, the planet Venus, which is the source of wealth, luxury, and material comfort, will make a significant movement on August 11, 2026. On this day, Venus will change its position and enter the Hasta nakshatra, which is governed by the Moon. This planetary shift has a profound impact on the lives of all twelve zodiac signs.
However, the rising trends of this transit require special financial caution from representatives of the Aries, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio signs. It is necessary to understand why these four signs should be vigilant regarding finances and how exactly to do so.
For the sign Aries, there may be a sudden increase in expenses, which could lead to a breach of the monthly budget due to excessive spending on luxuries or ostentation. During this period, it is recommended to refrain from thoughtless investments.
Although Venus rules the sign Taurus, its transit into the Hasta nakshatra may cause certain obstacles in financial matters. It is advisable to avoid taking large risks in business and not lending large sums of money.
Residents of the Leo sign may encounter difficulties with money or a shortage of cash during this period. The return of stuck money may be delayed, and unnecessary spending may increase stress levels.
For Scorpio, the time may be challenging in making financial decisions. There is a risk of losing funds in the stock market or any risky venture, so it is extremely important to exercise maximum prudence in any operations.
To protect against financial losses, it is recommended to worship the goddess Lakshmi on Friday according to established rituals and offer her white items. To maintain financial stability, one should donate white items such as rice, milk, or sugar to people in need. It is also important to control one's anger and speech, as stress can lead to erroneous financial decisions.
During fasting, many delicious dishes are prepared, such as sabudana khichdi, vada, chila, and halwa, which require the use of sabudana atta. Some people buy this flour at the market or prepare it by grinding soaked sabudana in a blender. However, if you have little time, you can prepare and store pure flour at home.
This homemade flour can be used just like store-bought flour, allowing you to easily cook various delicious fasting recipes, including chila, puri, paratha, and halwa. Below is a very simple way to prepare sabudana atta at home.
From ready-made sabudana atta, you can prepare chila, paratha, puri, halwa, and many other delicious fasting dishes in minutes. The main advantage of this flour is that you do not need to wait hours for the sabudana to soak.
You should also pay attention to the ingredients needed for preparation.
