Designed as a private sanctuary on the outskirts of Bratislava, this house balances seclusion and openness. Designed by Beef Architekti, the interior is enclosed by angled walls — “gills” — that shield it from neighboring views while framing carefully curated garden vistas. At its heart, a lush, jungle-like atrium floods the deep floor plan with light, anchoring the living spaces. Expansive roof overhangs provide passive shading and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. A rooftop pavilion with a wellness area offers distant views of Pajštún Castle, completing this home of light, greenery, and tranquility.
From the Architects | A house with “gills” and a jungle in the middle is built on a relatively intricate plot situated in a built-up area on the border of Bratislava.
To prevent views from neighboring plots, we designed a house with an envelope that serves as a protective shell against the surroundings. The angled walls surrounding the house’s perimeter from the outside create an enclosure, while from the interior, they provide unobstructed views of the garden through strategic placement. We call them “gills.”
The overhangs of the roof are designed to provide natural shading and create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, creating an intermediate space that functions as an extension of the living area.
The deep layout of the house utilizes a bright central atrium as a green core of the house with a wild garden evoking a jungle, around which the main living functions are arranged. The open living space, which includes a living room, kitchen, and dining area, is visually connected to the surrounding garden. From the kitchen’s worktop, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the tall pine trees growing on the opposite slope, which are so typical of the Záhorie region. Similarly, the bedrooms located on the sides of the house ensure privacy thanks to the angled walls, while still providing an uninterrupted view of the garden.
The passive shading provided by the overhangs of the roof fully replaces other secondary protection against unwanted sunlight in the summer months, while in the winter it allows the interior to be warmed up by the sun. By arranging the spaces around the house respecting the sunlight cycle, the eastern part of the terrace has become an ideal spot for a morning cup of coffee, while the western and southern sides serve as the main terrace with a swimming pool. The horizontal composition of the house is complemented by a pavilion on the roof, featuring a wellness area and a view of the distant Pajštún Castle.
Photography by Matej Hakár.
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