Zasadený House: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Modernity by Pauliny Hovorka Architekti

In the heart of the Kremnické vrchy mountains near Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, the Zasadený House by Pauliny Hovorka Architekti stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architecture and nature. Completed in 2023, this 439 m² family home embraces its natural surroundings through thoughtful design and material choices, creating a tranquil and sustainable living environment. The house’s name, "Zasadený," translates to "embedded," reflecting its harmonious placement within the landscape.

Design Philosophy and Concept

The design concept of Zasadený House revolves around the organic connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The architects, Braňo Hovorka and Martin Paulíny, aimed to create a home that offers privacy while maintaining a visual and physical connection with the surrounding pine forest. The client's brief required a single-story layout with ample natural light, sun exposure, and functional integration with the outdoor terrace. The design responds to these needs by incorporating large glazed facades, skylights, and natural materials that age gracefully over time.

Architectural Features

Exterior Integration

The house's horizontal form and green roof merge seamlessly with the sloping terrain, making it almost disappear into the landscape. The green roof, besides enhancing aesthetic appeal, provides insulation and supports biodiversity. Natural materials such as exposed concrete, untreated wood, and raw stainless steel are used extensively, ensuring durability and minimal maintenance. The use of these materials also ensures that the house will age beautifully, blending further with its natural surroundings over time.

Interior Spaces

Inside, the Zasadený House is characterized by open, light-filled spaces. A large skylight wrapped in a partially transparent exterior fabric provides variable lighting and creates a sunny atmosphere. The central living hall, which acts as the main entrance, is surrounded by the primary functional areas of the house. This space also serves as a transition between the interior and the terrace, fostering a sense of continuity between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Functional Layout

The layout of the house is designed for convenience and minimal corridor space. The parental suite, including a bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom, is located on one side of the central living hall, while children's and guest rooms with their own sanitary facilities are on the opposite side. Technical and storage spaces are strategically placed near the entrance, ensuring easy access and functionality. The wine cellar, accessible from the garden terrace, adds a unique touch to the home's design.

Sustainable and Durable Construction

The choice of materials and construction techniques reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. The house features products from reputable manufacturers such as Geberit, Hansgrohe, Holcim, Kingspan Insulated Panels, Duravit, ELEVATE, Axor, Jánošík, Mediderma, Serge Ferrari, Sofftech, and Warema. These materials contribute to the house's longevity and efficiency, ensuring it remains a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly dwelling.

Location and Landscape

Situated on a hill above Banská Bystrica in the Suchý vrch area, the Zasadený House enjoys stunning views of dense pine forests and the distant ridges of the Big Fatra and Low Tatras mountains. The sloping site presented both challenges and opportunities, which the architects skillfully navigated to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape. The garden is oriented to the southeast, taking advantage of the terrain slope to offer scenic vistas and ample sunlight.

The Zasadený House by Pauliny Hovorka Architekti is a remarkable example of how modern architecture can coexist with nature. Through its thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and seamless integration with the landscape, it provides a tranquil and durable living space that enhances the natural beauty of its surroundings. This house not only meets the functional needs of its residents but also stands as a model for environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing architectural design.