There were two main client´s requirements regarding the architecture of this house. He was looking for a single storey building ideally with no staircase allowing maximum daylight to enter the interior. This requirement had proved difficult to meet due to the unusual shape and eastward sloping of the site. Considering all challenging conditions we eventually came up with a house having an L shaped plan accessible from relatively small lower level housing garage and ancillary rooms and large residential level above. Apart from an entrance level, all other rooms including adjoining exterior areas are situated on one floor level enabling free movement throughout the house. All upper rooms benefit from the large curtain walls providing contact with the garden and terraces with south and west aspect . . .
The main residential level is split into two parts (day and night) flanking the staircase. Dayrooms including living room/kitchen, pantry and home office, are orientated parallel to the street providing for the visual connection to the site entrance. Home office with adjoining bathroom can also serve as guest accommodation. Large sliding doors connect interior with exterior. Master bedroom with two children rooms (convertible into one bigger room) are facing rear garden. Adjoining corridor is lit by the south facing rooflight with a constant interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
There are at least two breaking points important for the architecture of the house. First breaking point occurs in the plan with the objective to maximise solar exposure of the living hall while reducing overlooking between day and night parts of the house. Furthermore, the main level is cantilevered towards the street providing sheltered vehicular and pedestrian entrance to the house. This way, the mass and the visual impact of the street facade is also reduced. This is further supported by means of colouring the basement black contrasting with the white render of the rest of the house. Second breaking point occurs in the roof of the day wing one meter above roof of the night wing resulting in living room benefiting from the extra height and volume. Both breaking points manifest themselves internally and externally and are essential for the architectural expression of the house.
Also included in the scope of our services were interior and landscaping design. Interiors are fitted out with bespoke furniture finished in high gloss white thus organically blending with the building fabric. Swimming pool, timber deck and garden provide space for leisure time activities. Neighbouring house named K2, also designed by our office is proposed to share the same garden.
Authors: Braňo Hovorka, Martin Paulíny
Location: Kynceľová, district Banská Bystrica
Design, projects: 2006-2008
Construction: 2007-2010
Awards: House was honoured with Nominee to ARCH Journal Award 2011 and CE.ZA.AR Award 2011.
Publications: archiweb, archdaily
