The house, designed by Čechvala Architects, unfolds across several levels connected by a steel staircase. The ground floor houses the entrance, garage, technical facilities, and a sports area, while the upper level provides access to the rooftop terrace. The living areas are located on the second floor, conceived as a flexible and open space.
In terms of construction, the building adheres to a strict modular logic that organizes the structure, the façade, and the integrated furnishings. On the exterior, the use of raw, untreated aluminum and corrugated metal defines the building's distinctive appearance.
Single-family house on the Danube backwater by Čechvala architects. Photograph by Alex Shoots Buildings.
Project description by Čechvala Architects
The family house is located in the Sihoť area along Devínska Road, in a unique setting where the foothills of the Carpathian massif meet a branch of the Danube River. The site offers exceptional views of two contrasting landscapes while occupying a prominent position in the immediate vicinity of a well-known horticultural center.
Building Placement
The positioning of the house is based on the original building permit issued in 2009, which established the site's fundamental urban relationships. The design builds upon these parameters and further develops the location’s inherent potential.
Layout and Flexibility
A key objective of the design was to achieve a high degree of privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. For this reason, both the living and sleeping areas are located on the second floor. The main living space opens through two glazed façades that frame views of the surrounding natural scenery. Interior comfort is ensured through a combination of passive and active shading systems.
The second floor is conceived as an open and adaptable living environment. Its layout can evolve over time through predefined partition positions integrated into the built-in furniture. This flexibility is further supported by a structural system composed of columns and beams arranged within a strict modular grid.
The ground floor accommodates the entrance area, garage, technical facilities, and a fitness space. The third level functions as a gateway to the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The vertical circulation spine of the house is formed by a slender steel staircase. Its transparent structure allows visual connections between floors while bringing diffused daylight deep into the interior through a roof skylight. As a result, the visual continuity between the different levels is experienced from the moment one enters the house.
Materials and Construction
The character of the building is defined by the use of untreated raw aluminium, which envelops all solid sections of the façade. The corrugated metal cladding and window frames respond to changing light conditions, reflecting the colors of the surrounding landscape as they shift throughout the day. The house thereby acquires the ability to blend naturally into its environment.
The façade is organized according to a clearly defined three-module system, which is also reflected in the building’s structural logic. This consistent modular principle unifies the architectural expression with the load-bearing structure, spatial organization, and built-in furniture, creating a coherent identity for the entire project.
