House Above the Lake: A Modern Retreat with Panoramic Reservoir Views in Slovakia

The Lozorno residence in Slovakia, designed by NOIZ architekti and completed in 2024, spans 135 m². Led by Samuel Zeman and Andrej Šabo, the project integrates bespoke carpentry, curated lighting, and custom furniture, complemented by MILS garden design. High-quality materials from Berker, DEKMETAL, and others enhance its refined, contemporary aesthetic.

Perched atop a serene hill in Lozorno, House Above the Lake is a weekend retreat that masterfully balances discretion, functionality, and visual connectivity with nature. Designed by NOIZ architekti, the residence was conceived in response to the client’s desire for a secluded dwelling that captures exceptional panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding Slovak landscape.

The site’s natural topography and breathtaking vistas dictated the building’s placement, volumetric composition, and orientation, resulting in a home that blends harmoniously with its environment. By embedding half of the structure into the terrain, the architects minimized its visual impact while enhancing privacy and environmental integration.

Design Concept

The residence is strategically positioned at the highest point of the plot and set back from the adjacent roadway to maximize uninterrupted views. The home is composed of two contrasting volumes that distinguish between daytime living spaces and private sleeping quarters.

• Daytime Zones: Housed within a tall, gabled structure, these areas include the kitchen, living room, and communal spaces designed to embrace natural light and scenic vistas.
• Sleeping Quarters: Nestled into the landscape, the low-lying volume provides intimacy and connection with nature, ensuring restful privacy.

The orthogonal intersection of these volumes allows every room to orient toward a specific view, creating a fluid visual dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. Retaining walls and careful landscaping provide privacy for outdoor areas while preserving the site’s natural charm.

Materiality and Interior

The house features a thoughtful combination of natural and contemporary materials, creating a warm yet modern aesthetic:

• Wood: Utilized extensively in interior finishes, furniture, and structural beams, emphasizing warmth and natural textures.
• Glass: Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects living areas with panoramic landscapes, flooding interiors with daylight.
• Metal and Concrete: Used subtly for structural clarity, durability, and modern contrast.

Custom furniture from NESIA trade and Javorina v.d. enhances the minimalist aesthetic, while bespoke carpentry by MM Interier, s.r.o. ensures functionality without compromising elegance.

Outdoor Spaces and Landscaping

The landscape design by MILS complements the architecture by maintaining visual continuity with the reservoir and surrounding greenery. Gardens and courtyards are carefully positioned for privacy and aesthetic appeal, while retaining walls create intimate outdoor spaces shielded from neighboring plots.

This integration of architecture and landscape results in a holistic weekend home that prioritizes serenity, privacy, and connection with nature.

Architectural Highlights

• Harmonious integration with natural topography
• Contrasting volumes for functional zoning
• Strategic room orientation for panoramic views
• Minimal visual impact through partial embedding in terrain
• Use of natural materials like wood, glass, and stone
• Bespoke furniture and custom carpentry enhancing spatial experience

All photographs are works of Alex Shoots Buildings