Twin House
The project’s refined formal language abstracts the essence of the local vernacular. Each house, adorned in pastel pink and pastel yellow, both inside and out, reflects the prevalent hues of Hungarian village homes.
Conceived as a single-level residences, the linear form of each house is thoughtfully segmented by an entrance courtyard, central courtyard, and rear garden. This configuration ensures that every room is bathed in natural light and opens to serene views, offering a fresh departure from traditional layouts.
Envisioned as a couple’s first countryside home, this project explores new housing typologies for young families on a plot near a serene lake in Vitnyéd, close to the Austrian border in western Hungary. The design includes two independent, mirrored three-bedroom houses.
Single-level by design, the layout juxtaposes social spaces at the front with private quarters in the middle, leading to a rear living area that frames the natural landscape and lake. Linear yet fragmented by courtyards, the spatial sequence cultivates an interplay of openness and privacy.
The entrance courtyard provides a gentle transition from street to home, thoughtfully designed to avoid windows facing parked cars or the street—a common privacy issue in countryside homes that often leads to closed windows. The central courtyard transforms bedrooms into serene garden retreats, while the rear garden extends the social spaces outdoors. This arrangement ensures that every room is bathed in natural light, naturally ventilated, and attuned to the changing atmospheres of weather and time.
Clad in pastel pink or yellow pigmented concrete, both inside and out, and complemented by pigmented micro-cement floors, the houses present a monolithic yet delicate visage, reminiscent of Hungarian village charm. Internally, Hungarian oak joinery, alongside carefully selected furniture and home accessories from local designers, adds warmth and texture.
Inspired by traditional barns, broad overhangs fuse function and form, introducing a sculptural quality while providing shaded extensions of the house into the landscape or serving as parking spaces. The formal simplicity is enriched by brick parapets and concealed rainwater systems, maintaining a low eaves height for a humble and approachable scale.
Working closely with local builders to explore and achieve non-standard design details and a streamlined aesthetic, this project aspires to transcend minimalist construction. It is perceived as a sincere and thoughtful alternative to traditional Hungarian countryside homes, emphasising architectural quality, craftsmanship, and a connection to the landscape.
