The architect Alex Whitton, based in Germany, a family friend of the clients, produced a very suggestive concept project in which he described the basic design principles, studied the layout and 3D volumes of the building, proposed the phasing of the design and construction of the building ensemble. Based on this guide and some joint meetings along the way, our office took over the design, we made the detailed technical project, assisted the build-up of the two modules out of the three planned. The complex is located in a quiet village, in the valley of the Niraj creek, a place […]

Eco, self-sustainable, green house built in a remote, natural mountain site. The main horizontal topography-volume is partially masked by a sloping green roof and mineral, gabion wall cladding and two traditional barn-like structures are growing from this to break and articulate the huge mass of the construction. The materials and shapes were chosen to blend in the stunning scenery. The building produces and stores most of its energy demands but it isn’t completely off the grid, en electrical connection is made for very cold and cloudy days as a backup system. + natural building materials experience, demanding and confiding clients, straightforward project managemenet and construction […]

First sketch pushed through to suddenly get built construction site since 2008, a third kid came along in the owner’s family. Villa merged with the landscape around a south-facing terrace – a core for everyday life – on a steep hill, with great panorama… towards north. The resulting volume is lightened by cuts and floating overhangs and topped by a continuously sloping green roof rising from the landscape. + owner, collaboration with Arnold Macalik (ATELIER FKM ) – 15-20% too big, details didn’t have the time to simplify

A simple house with a small twist. The graphic designer client took a consistent part in the design process. Built in a rural environment, the house blends in by its size, shape and plot layout but in the same time it’s not hiding its urban, contemporary origins.

Our first passive house design experience, and also as it turned to be, one of the firsts in Transylvania. Despite difficult orientation, panorama, topography and harsh climate conditions, after several versions, the final layout still managed to be compact, articulated, playfull reaching the passive house parameters and the client’s needs. + consistent documenting/learning process, good collaboration with PHPP specialist – very long construction, some materials proved to be not the best choice

Norwegian – Romanian real estate bussiness collaboration for developing a double apartment house in Norway. Lightweight, prefab steel profile structure and interior-exterior gypsum board sheeting system used. + “designing for abroad” experience, new structural system, good project team – not enough design freedom was given at the concept phase, hard to control the constructed details because of the distance, pilot project which needed on-site adjustments

Type housing, “model 127” developed in collaboration with Weberbau building company. Home designed for a family with many children, fully equipped living space and personal spaces included.

Rural tourism development funds application feasibility study collaboration for the Szekler region. A type-building has been developed due to short time for application: same timber structure, functional variety under same roof for each of the 8 locations (so far). One has already been built, in Csíkszenttamás / TomeŞti, Harghita county, co-funded by the local administration, County Council, and the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism. + wooden type-building experience, gets built more or less according to plans – lack of time at pilot project; supervision and maintenance administration unsolved for these remote locations

Type housing, “model 105” developed in collaboration with Weberbau building company. Suitable for small plots, twin houses or row house layout.

Type housing, “model 88” developed in collaboration with Weberbau building company. Compact model, most efficient plot usage despite its interior space qualities.    

On a former prefab concrete panel production site („house factory”), built during the socialist area, the plots and halls were subdivided after 1990 halt, and property structure fragmented. Our client has bought one half of a hall structure and arranged it step by step, but quite chaotically, as rentable office and production spaces. Our task was to extend and optimise these spaces achieving a unitary look. + planning re-use for an industrial building – very slow design process, not yet built because change of plans / budget