Rhouse 2

The concept of the family house in Nitra – Lužianky is based on the reduction of traditional boundaries between the building and the landscape, with an emphasis on subtle, contextually integrated architecture. The investor’s brief defined a durable, contemporary and environmentally sustainable structure. A sloping site adjacent to a golf course at the end of a cul-de-sac determines a partially embedded single-storey volume with a flat roof, complemented by a parking canopy.

Compositional strategy of the north and east façades is expressed through a compact and clearly legible volume, with a defined entrance from the north via a covered porch that continues into the garage canopy and storage facilities. Together with the southern covered terrace, it forms a transitional buffer between interior and exterior spaces, enhancing protection against climatic conditions and solar overheating. Spatial layout is based on an open-plan living core (entrance hall, living room, dining area, kitchen and study corner) with direct connection to the exterior. The social zone is spatially accentuated through increased ceiling height, while the southern and western wings are adapted to the terrain morphology through partial embedding and stepping of the mass. The western orientation accommodates the night zone (bedrooms, master suite, dining area) with direct ground contact. The layout is organized along a circulation axis connecting day and night zones, incorporating sanitary, technical and library spaces; north-facing bathrooms are naturally lit via roof lights.

Material strategy is based on a reduced monochromatic palette that emphasizes volumetric composition, rhythm and spatial gradation of the architecture. The combination of timber and fine-to-coarse textured plaster in a white tone creates a controlled contrast between smooth and textured surfaces. The interior exposes the CLT structural system as both a load-bearing and visually expressed layer.

Ecological strategy integrates photovoltaic systems, rainwater retention, and an extensive green roof contributing to thermal stability, particularly during summer periods. Combined with an accumulation slab, external screen shading and a ventilation system with a ground heat exchanger, the design ensures passive energy stability and optimized indoor environmental quality.

Award holder Baumit, Facade of the year 2025, category family houses
Award holder BIG SEE Architecture Awards 2024, category residential houses
Award holder Garden of the Year 2025 award, category family house
Award holder Green Roof of the Year 2025 award, category residential green roof

Publication of the project on the architectural portal www.archdaily.com
Publication of the project on the architectural portal www.architizer.com
Publication of the project on the architectural portal www.introhouses.cz
Publication of the project on the architectural portal www.archinfo.sk
Publication of the project on the architectural portal www.archiweb.cz

Photographer: Mgr. art. Tomáš Manina, PhD.