A glimpse into a modern kitchen in a single-family home from the Bydlení Kbeličky project.
When Mr. Drlík and his family were deciding where to build their new home, a combination of several factors played a role—affordability, a quiet location, good schools, but also a growing demand for high-quality housing, energy efficiency, and technological readiness. Ultimately, they chose the project Bydlení Kbeličky, which was one of the few developments in Kbely offering single-family homes. Today, more than a year later, he openly describes his experience and the specific modifications that have turned their house into an efficient and sustainable home for the entire family. “We wanted more than just a place to live. We wanted a functional space for life.”
“We moved to Kbely back in 2006, at that time into a new apartment in the central part of town. But it wasn’t until the single-family home project in Kbeličky that our vision of a true family home was realized,” Mr. Drlík begins. “The location is exceptional—lots of greenery, peace and quiet, safety, good transportation access, and all the amenities you need. And within Prague, this district serves as a green oasis. It was precisely the contrast between the bustling metropolis and the peaceful family environment that won us over,” adds Mr. Drlík.
“The interest in the Bydlení Kbeličky project confirmed that clients today aren’t just looking for a house, but for a smart and functional solution for the whole family. The combination of location, build quality, and technical readiness clearly sets this project apart from typical offerings on the market. And Mr. Drlík’s story is proof that when the foundation is well-laid, the owner can create a modern and nearly self-sufficient home,” says Tereza Kolesárová, a real estate agent with LEXXUS NORTON, the project’s seller.
In addition to the location, the family was also impressed by the project’s design itself. “We were surprised by the practicality of the home’s layout, the quality of the materials used, and the emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It really makes sense.”
A view of a modern family home with thoughtful use of outdoor space.
The Path to a Truly Smart and Eco-Friendly Home
The home’s base standard met Energy Class B, but Mr. Drlík decided to go even further—toward nearly energy-self-sufficient operation. “We had a 5.5 kWp photovoltaic system installed on the roof, supplemented by a battery storage system with a capacity of 11.6 kWh. This covers the household’s typical energy consumption from spring through fall. Production naturally drops during the winter months, but even so, the benefit is significant.”
The renovations also included a hybrid water heater capable of heating water using electricity from the PV system. The house was equipped with air conditioning units capable of both cooling and heating, with options for air filtration and humidification. “Thanks to the exterior blinds and insect screens, we have a pleasant indoor climate and optimal lighting conditions even in the summer,” he adds. “Overall, we wanted the greatest possible comfort without compromise—and at the same time, a system that makes sense both economically and ecologically.”
Take a look at the house in the video here.
Technology Without Compromise—But With Care
In terms of user comfort, smart controls also play a crucial role in the home. “Today, we use a mobile app to control the heating, water heating, air conditioning, and blinds, as well as the gate, the home video intercom, the water shut-off valve, and the security system,” explains Mr. Drlík.
“It’s slowly becoming the norm—but the advantage of Kbeličky is that the house was already equipped for these systems as standard.”
Although he made most of the modifications after moving in, he appreciates the structural and technical preparation that the developer thoughtfully incorporated into the project: “It was a smart decision. Everyone can then customize the house to their needs and budget—without the need for complex construction work,” explains Drlík.
A glimpse of the spacious and bright living room in the model family home.
“We wanted to create a project that combines high-quality architecture with cost-effectiveness and allows owners to easily adapt the home to their needs. The standard infrastructure for modern technologies, such as solar panels or smart home systems, gives clients the freedom to choose individual components and decide when to install them—all without complex construction modifications. We consider this one of the paths to long-term, valuable, and sustainable living,” explains Ing. Jaroslav Žahourek of the development company IMMO Building.
Real-world experience. What’s worth doing, and what should be planned in advance?
When it comes to battery storage, Mr. Drlík also has practical recommendations: “The capacity should correspond to average daily consumption. A battery that’s too small means unnecessary draw from the grid, while one that’s too large may not be economically viable.” Furthermore, the system can be configured to power outlets for key functions—such as Wi-Fi, the refrigerator, or security systems—in the event of a power outage.
In addition to energy, the client also addressed sustainable water management. Rainwater from a retention tank is used to irrigate the garden via a submersible pump. The pergola? Bioclimatic, with rotating slats and side screens that protect against insects, wind, and direct sunlight.
What should you keep in mind when planning renovations?
When asked if he would do anything differently today, he replies with a smile: “Maybe I’d add an automatic irrigation system—purely for convenience. But thanks to this, I at least go outside a few times a week to enjoy the view of the garden in bloom.”
He adds: “I recommend eco-friendly and technological upgrades to anyone thinking long-term. Energy isn’t going to get any cheaper—and systems like ETS II, which will also apply to households, will only confirm that. When done smartly, it brings not only savings but also greater comfort and peace of mind.”
Check out the current selection of single-family homes in the Bydlení Kbeličky project.
