ARCHITEKTI mikulaj & mikulajova's rural house in slovakia combines two gable roof volumes

ARCHITEKTI mikulaj & mikulajova has designed a family house at the end of the picturesque jablonové village in záhorie, slovakia, presenting a contemporary interpretation of the traditional slovak house with a ‘gánok’, which is kind of roofed exterior corridor. the residence comprises two individual volumes: a brick house, which contains all living spaces; and a smaller, wooden structure that contains a garage and farmer premises. both topped with gabble roofs, the volumes are interlinked with the gánok, which serves as a pleasant entry to the house, as well as a place to sit in the shade while being outside.all images by filip šlapal

combining traditional architecture features with contemporary elements and modern, environmental-friendly technologies, ARCHITEKTI mikulaj & mikulajova has built the country house in jablonové with gable roofs and an oblong plan, which links to the original settlements of the area. the residence benefits from great views as it is situated in the upper part of a huge estate, which steeply ascends to the forest. the two individual structures are made of materials typical in slovakian architecture for centuries, such as white plaster for the main house and red-brownish shingles for the roof, as well as natural wood for the garage façade, the gánok, and sliding window shutters. the entire interior is made in really light, natural oak wood, combined with exposed concrete on the ceiling and sophisticated furniture pieces.

the house is characterized by a contemporary atmosphere, tailored for its future settlers, a couple, sometimes visited by their children and in the future their grandchildren. the man enjoys cooking for friends, so enough space for them, their family and friends had to be made. the rooms in the house go one after the other in a row, which has enabled the living room and the dining room to be open to both sides of the estate. life in the house is concentrated around a huge dining table which is separated from the living room by a double-sided fireplace. the living room area is opened over the two stories reaching the gable roof, the structure of which continues to the library on the gallery. the sleeping area is situated in the tranquil part of the estate facing the forest.