Villa Fitz as a green oasis in the middle of the town of Rokycany

The historic villa from 1869 has undergone a sensitive yet confident transformation under the guidance of the Luni Architects studio. The project, which respectfully blends the original architecture with new layers of contemporary design, was awarded second place in the Best of Realty 2024 competition in the Hotels category.
 

"Villa Fitz" is a living organism where architecture, design, and nature intertwine in perfect harmony. This ambitious project connects people with nature within an urban environment. When we took on the challenge of revitalizing this space, we knew we had a unique opportunity to create something that would inspire architects, designers, corporate clients, and restaurant operators alike.

Live greenery as part of the furniture

Green rivers flowing through the interior, that’s nearly 200 live plants planted in built-in beds directly in the furniture. Each plant was chosen not only for its aesthetic value but primarily for its ability to thrive in specific light and climate conditions.

Dracaenas are part of the green compositions in the reception areas. These elegant plants with long, upright leaves resemble green fountains and create vertical elements that visually enhance the spaces. Their low maintenance and air-purifying ability make them ideal companions for both commercial and residential spaces.

Next to them, Zamioculcuses are placed in the bed behind the seating furniture. Their glossy, dark green leaves reflect light and add depth to the space.

Plants as Artistic Color Accents in Interior Design

When you want to bring energy and playfulness into a space, the Cordyline Mambo plant is our secret weapon. These plants, with their strikingly colored leaves in shades of pink, red, and green act like living pieces of art. At the hotel, “Villa Fitz”, they create colorful accents that enliven the neutral palette of their restaurant's modern interior. It's like a painter adding an unexpected brushstroke to a canvas.

We chose Aglaonema plants for their patterned leaves, reminiscent of nature’s camouflage motifs. Mini Monsteras plants form a green barrier along the wall in a separate part of the restaurant lounge. Their delicately cut leaves give an exotic feel, refresh the space, and create a sense of calm.

The tall Ficus Lyrata plant, with its huge, wavy leaves, reminiscent of the shape of a violin. This majestic plant has become a dominant feature in the hallway leading to their rooms, wellness area, and the fitness centre. It stands there like a living sculpture.

Hanging greenery above the bar like a canopy

We transformed the dining area of “Villa Fitz” into a magical garden using hanging greenery that winds above the bar like a green canopy. The Staghorn Fern Busch plants hang like exotic trophies with their bizarre, branched leaves reminiscent of real antlers and capturing the guests' attention.

The Scindapsus Pictus plant, also known as Silver Pothos, adds a dramatic touch with its velvet leaves speckled with silver spots. Its long climbing vines cascade down, creating vibrant curtains that gently separate the bar from the rest of the space.

Tradescantia Bush Green plants bring freshness and lightness. Its small leaves and abundant trailing growth create the effect of a green waterfall. It's a plant that never looks static, constantly growing, changing, and adapting to the space. The Boston Fern plants then add classic elegance with their delicate, feathery fronds that gently move in the circulating air.

Ceiling of artificial greenery like a green sky

The strong visual impression of the entire project is created by the restaurant ceiling with hanging plants, the main highlight of the interior. Originally, we also considered using live plants, or a combination of both, but considering future maintenance and their placement above the tables, we decided against it. Falling leaves in guests' food or a complex watering system were out of the question. Choosing high-quality artificial greenery was therefore the logical step. However, the key was not the plants themselves, but the design of a subtle structure that could be safely anchored to the ceiling, visually fit into the interior, and at the same time accommodate exposed technical installations. The solution was created by assembling several frames with trellises where we carefully adjusted the size of the openings as well as the overall rhythm.

In the end, it came down to selecting and combining the right types so that the artificial plants would appear natural, three-dimensional, and abundant. The result is a ceiling covered with more than 300 plants, which visually lowers the height of the space, creates a more intimate atmosphere, and provides maximum visual impact with minimal operating costs. An ideal solution for restaurants, hotels, and other commercial interiors.

Inspiration for Your Projects

"Villa Fitz" in Rokycany is living proof that indoor greenery is not just a trend, but a long-term investment in the quality of the environment. For architects, it demonstrates how greenery can be integrated already at the furniture design stage. For designers, it is a lesson in combining different textures, heights, and shades of plants. For corporate clients and restaurant operators, it serves as a reference showing that greenery attracts people and improves the overall atmosphere.

This project is an open challenge for anyone who desires to create spaces where people feel good, where they can take a breath, relax, and recharge. “Villa Fitz” is not just a building, it is a green oasis in the middle of the city, living proof that the future of interiors is green.