A fresh family residence made of concrete harmoniously fits into its natural Slovakian landscape
Hangin' out in a serene forested haven nestled in Bánka, Slovakia, the Banánka family house throws open the doors to a unique fusion of nature and design. Designed by the masterminds behind Paulíny Hovorka Architects, this contemporary 244m2 abode boasts a Y-shaped plan that merges seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite the beauty of the outdoors into every room.
An Enchanting Rural Retreat
The Banánka house, championed by Braňo Hovorka and Martin Paulíny, showcases a harmonious blend of modern architectural precision and the raw, untouched allure of nature. Architect Matej Bázdik from Pavol Hubinský's structural engineering office plays a crucial role in the project, employing a combination of exposed concrete load-bearing walls and columns to maintain a chic, minimalist aesthetic.
The striking feature of the house's entrance is a V-shaped form, crafted from the imprint of wooden shuttering. Touch down in the slick, oak-floored main living area, surrounded by thermally modified pine decking, while inside columns made from galvanized steel and gabion baskets that adorn the entrance façade complete the sophisticated look.
This remarkable abode offers the ultimate rural sanctuary. With an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space at its heart, you can gaze out onto the picturesque rock garden from your comfy seat. Care is taken to ensure the houses neighboring structures remain hidden by the artfully composed landscaping, complete with a winding stream and a sensational assortment of mature deciduous trees.
Step out onto the parents' wing terrace and unwind in the hot tub, or retreat to the study and meditation area that overlooks the gracious garden. The other side of the house plays host to three beautiful bedrooms and a shared bathroom. What's more, a nifty plant, utility, and bike storage area is tethered to the entrance, ensuring your home remains clutter-free.
Meticulously Planned and Crafted with Care
A keen eye has been cast over the site, previously a beautiful garden, to preserve every tree on the plot. The chosen materials – stone, concrete, wood, and glass – share the same hues as their natural surroundings, enhancing the sensation that this contemporary structure is simply another piece of the woodland puzzle.
The company was established by Paulíny and Hovorka back in 1998 in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. They write, "Each construction site has its advantages and disadvantages, which can be taken into account in relation to the starting requirements of future users. The advantages of the location must be fully utilized in the design, disadvantages minimized, and any formalism avoided, while appropriately using contemporary technological advancements."
The Banánka house manifests this philosophy brilliantly, forming a sanctuary inherently linked to the land yet maintained with architectural finesse.
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Paulíny Hovorka Architects, PHA.sk
Enrichment Data:
- Location: Bánka, Slovakia
- Designers: Paulíny Hovorka Architects (PHA.sk)
- Size: 244m2 built area, 416m² site area
- Materials: Concrete, glass, oak, thermally modified pine, galvanized steel
- Key Elements: Y-shaped plan, natural pond, careful landscaping, extensive windows, minimalist design, natural integration with the environment.
- The Banánka house's interior design, under the vision of Paulíny Hovorka Architects, harmoniously integrates the contemporary with the natural, creating a unique fusion that aligns perfectly with a home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The lifestyle the Banánka house embodies extends beyond its interior, as the home-and-garden concept is further emphasized through gardening efforts such as careful landscaping with a winding stream and a sensational assortment of mature deciduous trees, thereby enriching the overall living experience.
