"Friends,

In 2021, my dream began... To have a place high up in the hills, a place where human solidarity, peace, and kindness still thrive. I found that place in Repište. Each of you reading this email contributed in some way—whether through physical work or by giving moral support when it was most needed. You helped me bring to life something I had often imagined in my mind, and I want to thank you for that—I truly appreciate it.

Thank you once again, and if you ever need a hand, you know where to find me. 😉"

"We never would have believed that this type of construction would bring us so much joy and satisfaction. The entire build took no longer than half a year, and after just 4 months, we were already relaxing in our little home, enjoying the peace and the sunshine radiating from those wooden logs. The smell of wood was like being in a forest, with only the birds outside the window... We wouldn't want any other type of house (perhaps a dovetail cabin would be an exception). It feels like we're on a permanent vacation here. And every visitor has confirmed that they feel like they’re at a cozy cabin when they visit us. We feel the same way. We are enjoying it to the fullest and are so glad we decided on a log house. Big thanks to everyone at Zruby Rajec for a beautiful, quick, and smooth construction.

Mr. Bronček, you’re always welcome to stop by whenever you're in the area – feel free to stay for some wine and an overnight stay.

Sincerely,
A happy log home owner,
MVDr. Alena Horáková."

Unique Log Cabin on the Shores of Liptovská Mara

The following article is from the magazine DŘEVO&stavby.

The potential of the place where this log cabin made from massive spruce trunks stands is evident at first glance. The views it offers are something you don't often see. All around are high mountains, and right below the windows, the water surface glistens. The raw wooden structure, which inside meets all the requirements of modern living, blends perfectly into its surroundings.

Although the family of the owners lives in southern Moravia, they have always loved Slovakia, especially its mountains. They’ve probably been there a thousand times. They weren’t specifically planning to buy a property there, but chance played a role. A friend tipped them off about a project near Liptovská Mara, Slovakia's largest reservoir, which is surrounded by the Western Tatras to the northeast, and the Low Tatras to the south.

On a beautiful, quiet spot near the water, a developer was selling plots of land for future log cabin construction. The idea intrigued them, and they fell in love with the place at first sight. But let's be honest, nowadays we are more accustomed to modern houses, especially of a functionalist design, even when it comes to wooden structures. A classic log cabin made of trunks is something else—you have to want to live in such a house and know how to do it. The couple was sure that this was the case for them. "We didn't step into something completely unfamiliar. During family holidays in Slovakia, we had stayed in log cabins several times, and we liked it, especially the unique atmosphere that such a house exudes," they explain.

They Didn’t Want a Typical Log Cabin Design

None of the standard log cabins offered as part of the project met their expectations. They agreed with the developer on an individual house design, and the developer also offered them the services of their architect, with whom they finally put together the proposal. They liked the basic U-shaped concept, but it needed to be refined to suit the family’s needs. The most important requirement was the size of the house. "We are a large family, so we wanted at least five bedrooms so that everyone could have their privacy. At the same time, we wanted a spacious living room where we could all fit together," they explain.

The Terrace Plays a Leading Role

Another important item on the wish list was outdoor seating. As a result, the house boasts several terraces. Thanks to the atypical design of the building, there are two terraces upstairs, each offering a different view. The owners enjoy having breakfast there, for example. There are also balconies near the bedrooms. However, they spend most of their time on the stone terrace connected to the main living space on the ground floor.

"In Slovakia, it’s still common to visit friends frequently. People don’t sit indoors, but outside on the terraces, even when it’s a bit cold. People here are just more resilient—it’s probably because of the mountains," the husband muses. They, too, wanted to have a terrace by the house that could accommodate a larger group of people. After all, in the three years since they’ve had the log cabin, they’ve become so accustomed to the local climate that—as long as the weather is reasonable—they spend a lot of time outdoors.

Interiors of Wood and Stone by Their Own Hand

They had the company build the complete structure, and then they finished the interiors themselves. They used additional materials—they didn’t want everything to be just wood. Although wood is beautiful, it would have been too much. So, they combined it with stone walls made of very hard sandstone from a quarry near Starý Hrozenkov. "They are beautiful, and together with the wood, they create a very interesting and calming ensemble. That’s why we don’t have any paintings, because each stone is a unique work of art created by nature," the owners explain.

For the floor, they chose practical tiles in anthracite, which harmonize nicely with the other furnishings. The heating is underfloor, complemented by a wood stove, as they also wanted some traditional elements. The crown jewel of the room is, however, the so-called American stove, characterized by rich ornamentation and mica windows, through which the flickering fire can be seen.

Contractor’s Comment

,,Designing and building a log cabin for this couple was an absolute pleasure. We proposed many original layouts to the client, but the U-shaped design clearly won them over. It allows for a private space for a terrace with a view of the setting sun over Liptovská Mara. The clients contributed creative ideas to the house design, such as the American stove or the columns with a combination of stone and wood in the golden ratio. The best clients are not only those who are satisfied, but those with whom you remain friends long after the house is completed. I'm glad that the owners of this log cabin are such clients."

Ing. arch. Milan Bronček
SRUBY RAJEC, s.r.o.

Are We Indoors or Outdoors?

The upper floor of the house is anything but ordinary. This is thanks to very high ceilings, open all the way to the ridge of the roof, and to atypical elements that give the space a unique style. The owners call this room the clubroom, and the children love to play here (as do the adults with them). On the main wall is a piece that looks like a painting but isn’t. "It’s a huge tile brought from Italy, illuminated around the edges. It reminds us of the nearby mountains with dark clouds floating over the landscape," the couple explains.

For lighting and part of the furniture selection, they eventually enlisted the help of an interior designer, which they don’t regret at all. For example, on the upper floor, she took advantage of the high ceilings and selected glass birds as light fixtures. So when you settle into one of the bean bags and look up, you feel as if you’re looking out at the sky.

A Garden That Respects the Place

Connecting the house with nature was also the task of a landscape architect. "Wood is certainly beautiful, bringing a completely different atmosphere than a brick building, but that alone is not enough. To make the result harmonious, nature is needed as well, and we think we managed to achieve that," the owners conclude. The garden is designed as a heathland, with plants native to this area. Part of the property has been transformed into a mountain meadow, planted with indigenous herbs. The crowning glory is a path covered with creeping thymes. When they bloom, it's breathtaking. No wonder they try to spend as much time here as possible.

"Good day, Mr. Bronček, I'm glad we finally got in touch after a long time. If it weren't for the invoice that I couldn't find, we wouldn't even be talking, as I wouldn't have a reason to call you regarding the log house since it is simply perfect and brings us joy.

Chalet Verditz, Austria, 2020

"Many greetings and big thanks to the Zruby Rajec team for the good cooperation and service. Our plans and ideas were realized exactly as envisioned. At the beginning of the pandemic, there were some additional difficulties and delays. However, in the end, everything turned out to our satisfaction. Once again, a big thank you, and we wish the team continued success in future projects."

Wooden Cottage in Slovak Paradise, Slovakia, 2021:

"ZRUBY RAJEC, thank you for the cooperation!"

Log house Rauris, Austria, 2017

"To this day, we are thrilled with how diligently, competently, and professionally all the work was carried out. Without Zruby Rajec, we probably could not have realized our dream of building a log cabin so quickly and fantastically. We thank all of you for that and will recommend you anytime."

"When my husband and I decided to build, our choice was clear - it had to be a log cabin. In 2013, we visited the Drevodom company directly in Rajec for the first time. Mr. Bronček and the team dedicated enough time to us, and our questions were expertly answered. What we liked the most was that on that very day, we could see the production and warehouse of pre-made structures. We realized our log cabin three years later. Communication with Drevodom was excellent, the project was completed within the timeframe, and the entire team met all our expectations during the construction. We and our guests feel very comfortable and pleasant in our log cabin. We thank Drevodom for their first-class work and wish them many more beautiful projects."

Log Cabin of the Year, Horní Kožlí, Czech Republic, 2018

"Dear Mr. Bronček, I wish you a beautiful day. I have to write to you about our construction in Horní Kožlí. Unfortunately, we built it during three days of absolutely terrible weather. It rained and poured for about two and a half days. One truck even got stuck in the mud at the construction site, and we had to arrange for it to be towed from the property to the road. It was a struggle. But most importantly, I want to write to you about your team of assemblers. It was an incredible performance by four well-coordinated guys who worked from 6 in the morning until late evening.

Cottage of the Year, Hradištko, Czech Republic, 2013

This cottage was awarded the Wood Building of the Year 2014 prize by the Czech magazine Dřevo&Stavby. Its owner said the following to the magazine:

Alpine Chalets, Carinthia, 2020

"Together with your company, we carried out a project of two log houses made of roundwood in Austria, in the Carinthian Alps. At the beginning, we visited this highly demanding style on-site in Slovakia and were immediately enthusiastic. This is especially true if you love wood as a natural building material. The planning and the final implementation of the project worked excellently, all the individuals involved/workers were very diligent, and in the end, two amazing holiday homes could be handed over to new owners. All the best for future projects!"

Fischer Log Cabin, Bardejov, 2021

"For a long time, we were searching for a beautiful house where we could enjoy our free time, and then we found this log cabin. Excellent cooperation with Zruby Rajec company, professional approach, and advice."

Fischer Cottage, Liptovska Mara, 2021

"We thank Zruby Rajec, s.r.o. for the high-quality and highly professional work, as well as for the communication and willingness of the management and employees during the construction of our log cabin in Liptov. We definitely recommend this company to other interested parties who have decided to build log cabins."

Hunting Lodge Eisenbach, Germany, 2021

"An amazing house with a cozy atmosphere and the beautiful scent of real wood. Despite the assembly taking place during the pandemic, everything went precisely. Communication with the workers in German or English was flawless. A truly stunning hunting lodge."

Liptov Log Cabins, 2020

"The Zruby Rajec company has carried out the complete construction of seven log cabins for me and my company at various stages of construction (log shell, complete construction), and they have also completed a quite demanding extension to an existing log cabin (which has been standing for 12 years). All phases - preparation, project documentation, construction, financing, and other construction works - were carried out in a highly professional manner and to my satisfaction. The Zruby Rajec company has always accommodated me regarding deadlines, financing, and construction implementation. Based on this experience, I have decided to continue working with the company. We have agreed on the construction of three log shells (within the next three months), and if circumstances allow, I would like to start cooperation with Zruby Rajec on the construction of 25-30 log cabins per year in the future."

Log house Carolina, Veľká Lomnica, 2020

"Good day to Rajec. With the completed garden as the cherry on top, we started enjoying the building from you in full vacation mode. Thank you for your professionalism, and I wish the entire team success. I recommend you everywhere."

Liptovská Mara, 2019

"In 2018, ZRUBY RAJEC company started building a wooden log cabin for me. It was completed in 2019, and since then, we have been enjoying the beautiful environment of Liptov and the log cabin itself. Thank you, ZRUBY RAJEC, for professional advice and execution."

Log cabin house in Turkovice, Czech Republic, 2018

"We live very well, and we wouldn't want any other house than a log cabin. The whole family is very satisfied. I send greetings to all of you. And a big thank you to Tereza Pokutová and the entire team Marek M. - Jano Š., who built our house. Thanks."

Cottage Stanzach, Austria, 2019

"We can only recommend your company. The logistics were simply brilliant. The log cabin was delivered on time to Tyrol, to Lechtal, as agreed. The construction was perfect, as well as your employees. We would like to especially thank Andrea, our contact person, who speaks German excellently. P.S.: Our guests are all thrilled."

Log cabin in Gmünd, Austria, 2017

"Dear Zruby Rajec team, since our wishes (the design was from us) were realized exactly as we envisioned, we would like to thank you once again for the sale and planning. A big compliment also goes to the installation team. We were very satisfied with the installation carried out by your friendly workers. The work was done properly, and things progressed quickly on site. We would build with you anytime again. Best regards to everyone."

Log cabin in Hřiměždice, Czech Republic, 2017

"I would like to thank you very much for the professional approach of your employees who carried out this project. At the beginning, things didn't go according to all expectations, but it quickly got on track. It's not easy to work in these conditions, and the guys did everything with great precision. The exterior and interior work is done according to mine and my wife's vision, and everything went perfectly. You can praise your employees and value them. They are truly excellent."

Karlov pod Ještědem, Czech Republic, 2017

"Good day, I would like to thank Mr. Baránek's team for their professionally executed work. I would also like to note that even though the garden was not ready for the house, the guys did everything on their knees, but they took on this task 100%. Their dedication was incredible, and the locals' admiring glances were their reward."

Chalet St. Andrä, Austria, 2017

"What I definitely want to highlight are the assemblers who were at our place, each of them was simply amazing. Thank you also for your good work. Best regards."

Chata Troubsko, Czech Republic, 2016

"I thank the company Drevodom Rajec - Slovakia for the realization of the log cabin. Logging according to the lunar phases, lightning-fast communication with Janka Jatiová and Mr. Svorník. The biggest thanks go to Mr. Baránek's team for the quality preparation and assembly of the log cabin."

Alpine log cabin in Oblarn, Austria, 2013

"Zruby Rajec is among the best in the market. We bought a log cabin from Zruby Rajec, and we are 100% satisfied! The pleasant staff, including the company owner, Mr. Bronček, was very helpful at every step during our construction.

Velký Ořechov, Czech Republic, 2012

"After 10 years of enjoying the log cabin, I have no negative observations. After sealing the log cabin, fixing minor defects, and working on interior details, I rate your work very well."

Log house Ústie nad Priehradou, 2012

"Good day, we have permanently moved into the log cabin, even though we have our own house. Many tourists passing by admire it, they like it, take pictures of it, and would like to stay with us. We like it too."

July 2012 - a gift from a satisfied customer

"Built by the craftsmen who make the wood sing under their hands."

Log home Fischbachtal, Germany, 2011

„I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a very pleasant and successful collaboration, for promptly addressing our wishes and requirements. Of course, we also extend our thanks to the construction team who built our wooden log house so quickly, precisely, and to our great satisfaction. It was truly a pleasure working with your construction company. We wish you continued success in your work and many satisfied customers in the future."

JANUARY 2010
"I have also visited other websites of companies specializing in log houses, but you are still the top choice for me. I am willing to fight for a log house, and I was delighted to receive your email. I am grateful for your willingness, and you don't have to worry that you made any mistakes. You are at an excellent level, and I assure you that once I get my work and finances in order, I will also pursue this, and thanks to your email, I have decided to contact you."