“Beyond the mountains, beyond the valleys, my golden antlers, where do they graze?”
A Czech fairytale tells the story of a boy called Smolíček Pacholíček, raised by a wise stag with golden antlers. Every day, the stag would warn him about the Jezinsky - evil forest nymphs who kidnapped children. He was forbidden from ever letting them into their home. The Jezinsky knocked on the door, begging the boy, telling him that they were cold and needed warmth. Believing them, Smolíček opened the door. The Jezinsky kidnapped him and took him to their lair, fully intent on fattening him up then eating him. Only his desperate calls for help saved him, for the stag heard him and came to his rescue in the nick of time. This tale teaches us timeless lessons about trust, prudence and protection of vulnerable people.
Crossing the dark forest, its trees bare of any leaves, symbolises the confrontation of fears and the unknown. It leads to a luxuriant oasis around a dark, tranquil pool. Mycelium columns emerge from it, embodying the ethereal spiritual figures of the Jezinsky. Like fungal networks spreading beneath the surface and absorbing everything around, the Jezinsky weave their webs to ensnare Smolíček. A winding path leads deeper into the forest, into the network of the spirit kingdom. The Forest of Golden Antlers reveals a magical realm where dark forces coexist with wonders, offering an experience of courage, mystery and amazement. It also asks a question: how can we tell protector from predator?
DESIGNERS
Anna PETŘÍKOVÁ and Barbora HUBKOVÁ, landscape architects, Matěj ROTH, biologist specialising in fungis
CZECH REPUBLIC
Anna Petříková comes from Třinec, an industrial town in the Beskydy foothills, where raw industry blends with unspoiled nature. She enjoys working with natural materials, whether traditional or new, integrating them thoughtfully into her designs. She graduated in Landscape Architecture from Lednice (Mendel University) and spent a year at the University of Applied Sciences in Oulu, Finland, where she embraced sustainable design and respect for natural processes. She also drew inspiration from studying stage design at the Janáček Academy, focusing on spatial dynamics. After graduating, she has collaborated with several landscape architecture studios in the Czech Republic on projects ranging from urban residential developments to ecologically driven landscapes. During the pandemic, she established a small plantation to experiment with cultivating plants for cutting. Now, she develops her brand, { Zahradarium }, combining a sensitive approach to landscape architecture with respect for local flora and fauna. She believes outdoor spaces can serve people and restore ecosystems. Her designs often start with hand-drawn sketches, intuitively capturing the site’s character. She views collaboration with other creative professionals as essential to creating high-quality outdoor spaces. Her work balances artistic vision, ecological responsibility, and functional design, serving both people and nature.
Barbora Hubková is a freelance landscape architect. She studied at Mendel University in Brno. During her studies, she participated in a year-long Erasmus program at Agrocampus Ouest in Angers, France. This experience broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for diverse approaches to landscape design. She gained valuable professional experience working at the studio of Jacques Courillau Paysagiste in France, where she encountered a variety of innovative design methodologies. Upon returning to the Czech Republic, Barbora collaborated with local studios such as Fractalarchitects s.r.o. and Atelier Gaia, where she focused on designing private gardens as well as more complex public space projects. Currently, Barbora is in the process of establishing her own practice, Atelier Hubka, based in Brno. Her design philosophy centers on understanding the genius loci—the unique spirit of a place—and fostering a deep connection between people and their surroundings with a focus on ecological principles. She approaches each project with sensitivity, aiming to reveal the natural character of the site while addressing the specific needs of its users. Her portfolio reflects a wide range of scales, from intimate urban courtyards and family gardens to public spaces designed to encourage community engagement. Barbora’s connection to nature is not only professional but deeply personal. She finds inspiration in hiking and walking through open landscapes, where the natural interactions constantly fuel her energy and creativity. She also occasionally escapes the computer screen to craft floral arrangements under the brand Divoký, which she co-founded with her friend Martina Bláhová.
Matěj Róth, a graduate in biology from Masaryk University in Brno. His strong interest in specific species of plants and fungi led him to study natural sciences. He is the co-founder of Mykilio, where, as CEO, he is responsible for strategy, research, and partnerships.
