Residence Demänovská

The building’s geometry responds directly to the site. Oriented parallel to the stream, the long, compact volume minimises disturbance to the forest floor while maximising visual and acoustic connection to the water. The surrounding trees and the sound of the flowing river shape the perception of the house from every angle. Frameless glazing along the living area opens to the landscape, allowing the natural setting to define the interior experience. Upstairs, each of the three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms continues this dialogue, offering framed views of the stream and filtered light through the trees.

Prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels form the main structure. This approach reduced on-site construction time and waste while improving precision and thermal performance. The use of timber construction aligns with the project’s sustainability goals, achieving a small embodied carbon footprint and ensuring recyclability at the end of the building’s lifespan. Minimal concrete foundations were employed to stabilise the structure, avoiding extensive excavation and protecting tree root systems.

The facade is clad in Yakisugi-treated timber, a charred surface technique originating from Japan. This process carbonises the outer layer of the wood, enhancing durability against insects, fungi, and moisture while eliminating the need for chemical treatments. The blackened texture also improves fire resistance and provides a natural UV shield, ensuring long-term performance in the mountain climate. The deep matte finish blends the building into its wooded context, allowing it to visually recede during winter and merge with the shadows of the forest.

Inside, the material palette remains restrained and tactile. Walls and ceilings are wrapped in natural timber veneer, producing a warm, acoustically balanced environment. In contrast, the floors are finished in continuous micro cement for durability and easy maintenance, particularly in high-traffic and wet areas. Built-in furniture and joinery maintain the continuity of materials, reinforcing the design’s unified and minimal aesthetic.

On the roof, an ‘inverted landscape’ terrace provides a secluded outdoor zone equipped with a hot tub. The sloping roofs of the bedrooms form protective enclosures for relaxation, while openings above frame the sky and treetops. This arrangement provides privacy without isolating the users from the surrounding environment.

Sustainability is integral to every decision, from the prefabricated timber structure and Yakisugi-treated facade to the energy-efficient glazing and passive solar orientation. The building’s compact form, high-performance envelope, and reliance on natural ventilation reduce operational energy demand to a minimum.