A family vacation cottage in Donovaly. Nestled on a challenging terrain at the edge of the forest.
Unlike the design of a family house, the concept of a vacation cottage takes into account two primary usage scenarios. The first is a state of presence, openness, habitation, and utilization. The second is a state of secure closure and absence. These two scenarios are distinctly reflected in the architecture of our vacation cottage design in Donovaly. The “Hifichata” adapts its appearance as needed.
The cottage will be a two-story structure with a traditional gable roof and a habitable attic. A veranda (porch) will run around the entire perimeter of the building, transitioning into a carport for two vehicles on the northern side and into a summer covered terrace on the southern side. In warmer months, the veranda (porch) will act as a transitional space between the interior and exterior, while in winter, it will protect the building from snow. Both the northern and southern parts of the veranda (porch) will feature rooftop terraces accessible from the gable ends of the attic. The veranda (porch) can be closed off with movable panels during the owner’s absence, serving as a barrier against intrusion.
The concept of the vacation cottage’s design stems from the site’s characteristics, its potential placement on the land, and local zoning regulations, particularly the allowable size of the built-up area. Access to the property is available from the south via a service road, which naturally defines the location for vehicle parking and subsequent storage facilities. The access road, also serving the broader area, will run along the eastern edge of the property and lead to the house’s entrance. The cottage will be situated in the northwestern corner of the plot, leaving the southwestern part open as a sunlit recreational garden.
The layout of the cottage is straightforward, with a single structural tract. The ground floor includes a living hall with a kitchen, dining area, bathroom, guest room, and utility room. A centrally located staircase leads to the upper floor, which houses three bedrooms and an additional bathroom. A notable feature of the ground floor is the veranda (porch), which surrounds the entire floor plan, providing protection against summer overheating and winter snow issues. The veranda (porch) allows sheltered access to the carport and firewood storage. On the southern side, it functions as a summer covered terrace adjacent to the living hall. On the upper floor, near the gable ends, the veranda’s (porch’s) roof serves as a viewing terrace, offering panoramic views of the Low Tatras ridge, with the prominent peak of Prašivá as a highlight.
Architects: Braňo Hovorka, Martin Paulíny, Radovan Krajňak
Location: Donovaly, Slovakia
Design: 2021
Construction: currently under construction
