COUNTRY HOUSES

THREE - GENERATION FAMILY HOUSING IN THE NATURE

type  competition / Velux Active house award / 2nd prize

year  2013

location  Western Tatras / SK

size  750 m2
cooperation  Eva Bírová

CONCEPT

Mountain meadow situated on a mild slope behind the village Žiar in Slovakia, offers unique views to the surrounding countryside.The southern side of the panorama consists of mountain chain Low Tatras under which lies the town Liptovký Mikuláš and Liptovská Mara lake. On the northeast side begin the Western Tatras and the Choč Mountains in the east.Directly in this place is situated a new residence for three-generation family. This solitaire in the nature, it should be self-sufficient and environmentally friendly and on the other hand should offer comfort for the modern family and ulitize potential of this unique place.

The first step is slightly landscaping, what creates in 6% slope a plane which is bounded by terrain edges. It defines the land, which provides to the citizens enough privacy. On this plot arise three solids-houses arranged so as to best fit into the environment and make the most use of its potential. Houses together form the input space - courtyard where meadow driveway leads , and   on the south side is created a garden perfectly visualy conected to the surrounding landscape.Two of houses are for families and in the third is situated parking with technical backround.

All three houses have the same handwriting - wooden construction with gabled roof, shide roofing and exterior covered passageways - porches.These are all characteristics of the original houses in this area. So houses are using traditional form and materials, but they are using modern elements such as outdoor covered terraces, large windows with sliding shades or technical background of houses.

In the first house live parents with two kids and in the second house their grandparents. In the houses are also guest rooms due to frequent visits by other family members. Both houses are two-storied and have four living rooms. The enters to the houses are from shared yard where in the middle stands the original tree. On the first floor of the house is a social area - kitchen with dining room separated by fireplace from living room with a direct transition to the terrace and at the opposite side is one bedroom with bathroom .Around the home lead the outside covered corridors - the porches , so the transition between different parts of the house is also possible via exterior. In the space under the roof there are two bedrooms with backround and in the area above the living room is the library The rest is gallery through two floors. In the third house is situated parking for four cars, interior garage, technical background, covered terrace with barbecue and space under the roof is used as a lounge. Buildings use as much as possible natural materials. The entire supporting structure is made of wood profiles (except concrete slab), also tiling, interior walls, floors and window frames are wooden. Buildings are oriented to the south where are located large windows with exits to the garden.Sliding shades prevent overheating of the house in the summer, but they also have a protective function.

 
Houses are self-sufficient, energy self-sufficiency secure photovoltaic panels installed on the third house and oriented to the south side. Drinking water is obtained from deep wells, located at the entrance courtyard, then filtered and collected into the tank.The majority of equipment is placed in the third house, except heat pumps and hot water tank. It is placed directly in family houses. The proposal also counts with the use of rainwater and gray water recycling.The waste is collected into a common septic tank.

Country houses fit in their surroundings in every point of view, are environmentally friendly and provide fully comfort living for large family.