Brick House Záhorské Sady: Modern Family Living with Timeless Brick Architecture

Located in Záhorská Bystrica, Slovakia, this 358 m² residence by ARCHITEKTI mikulaj & mikulajova, completed in 2023, showcases refined detailing and material precision. Led by Juraj Mikulaj and Andrea Ambrovicova Mikulajova, the project integrates curated brands, crafted furniture, and thoughtful lighting, with landscape design by Atelier DIVO.

A Family-Centered Vision on the Outskirts of Bratislava

Nestled on a spacious plot overlooking the forest near Bratislava, the Brick House Záhorské Sady was designed to accommodate a growing family with a strong desire to embrace traditional brick architecture. Despite the challenges posed by the plot’s orientation and a rapidly developing neighborhood, the architects devised an innovative solution: three interconnected brick houses unified by light-filled, transparent spaces. This thoughtful layout ensures abundant sunlight in every room while maintaining a strong sense of privacy for the family.

The Enduring Beauty of Brick in Contemporary Design

Brick has a deep-rooted tradition in Slovak residential architecture, offering warmth, texture, and durability. In this project, burnt brick is paired with smooth, contrasting surfaces to highlight its natural beauty. The architects experimented with brick in multiple forms:

• Façade cladding and terraces
• Windowsills and interior accents
• Decorative arches and semi-transparent curtains in building openings

This versatile approach demonstrates how traditional materials can be reimagined in contemporary family homes.

Spatial Organization: Three Houses, One Unified Family Home

The project comprises three brick-built structures, each serving distinct functions:

1. Largest House (Two-Storey Private Zone): Bedrooms and children's rooms are located here. A spacious staircase with carefully positioned windows provides daylight and framed views of the garden.
2. Medium-Sized House (Living & Library): Featuring a double-sided fireplace and a partially separated library, this living area is elevated to capture sunlight from southwest-facing strip glazing beneath the ceiling.
3. Smallest House (Entrance & Utility): Positioned at the plot entrance, it accommodates cars and garden services.

Light-Filled Connections and Thoughtful Layout

Glazed corridors and spaces connect all three brick volumes, creating seamless indoor-outdoor relationships. The central family area includes a large kitchen with two islands and a dining space, allowing parents to oversee both the pool terrace and southwest outdoor area simultaneously.

Windows in solid brick walls are treated as artistic elements, while light, open concrete-beamed structures in glazed areas blur the boundary between interior and exterior. A single visual axis links all spaces, offering uninterrupted garden views.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

The house is designed for modern ecological living. The external walls combine brick, mineral wool insulation, and a ventilated air gap, using Belgian Marziale face bricks for the façade. Reinforced concrete ceilings integrate a cooling system, complemented by a heat pump, air recovery system, and a garden well for irrigation. The result is a sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious home.

All the photographs are works of Matej Hakár