Beef Architekti has designed a residence in Bratislava that balances privacy and openness through a unique architectural approach. Positioned on a complex plot within a densely developed area, the House with Gills introduces a structure that shields its inhabitants from neighboring views while embracing a deep connection with nature.
The house’s distinctive “gills” stand at the core of the design, with angled walls serving as both a visual barrier and a frame for selected garden views. These walls create a sense of enclosure from the outside while keeping the interior bright and connected to the surrounding greenery.
A Design Rooted in Protection and Openness
The residence’s layout prioritizes privacy without compromising natural light or outdoor access. The angled perimeter walls create a protective shell, blocking direct sightlines from neighboring properties while keeping views of the enclosed garden open. This layout shapes the home into a private retreat, with each space positioned to maximize comfort and visual balance.
Extending beyond conventional architectural forms, the roof’s deep overhangs play a dual role. The overhanging roof offers natural shading, minimizing the need for extra sun protection during summer. It also forms a covered area that eases the shift between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design extends the living areas beyond the main structure, maintaining privacy while strengthening the connection to nature.
A Lush Core Anchors the Home
At the heart of the house, a central atrium serves as a green sanctuary, featuring a dense garden reminiscent of a jungle. This inner courtyard not only enhances airflow and natural light but also creates a serene focal point around which the home’s primary functions are arranged.
The open-plan living area combines the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces, offering visual access to the garden. The kitchen layout allows residents to enjoy clear views of the towering pine trees typical of the Záhorie region. The bedrooms sit along the sides of the house, offering privacy while still providing framed views of the surrounding greenery through the angled walls.
Sunlight as a Natural Regulator
The architectural design strategically responds to the sunlight cycle, enhancing comfort throughout the day. The eastern section of the terrace creates an ideal spot for morning coffee, capturing the soft light of the sunrise. Later in the day, the western and southern areas serve as the main outdoor spaces, with a swimming pool and lounge terrace designed for relaxation.
By leveraging passive shading through the extended roof, the residence minimizes the need for additional sun protection. In winter, the orientation allows sunlight to naturally warm the interiors, reducing energy consumption while maintaining a balanced indoor climate.
A Rooftop Escape with a Panoramic View
Beef Architekti designed a rooftop pavilion as part of the house’s horizontal composition, creating a private wellness retreat with panoramic views of the distant Pajštún Castle and a tranquil space for relaxation.
Studio: Beef Architekti
Author: Rado Buzinkay, Andrej Ferenčík, Jakub Viskupič
Co-author: Martin Machala
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Completion year: 2023
Usable floor area: 316 m²
Plot size: 1502 m²
Photographer: Matej Hakár
