After working around the world, they decided to finally return home for good.

At the family plot of land they inherited, the old house, that was unfortunately not suitable for renovation, hindered the accurate perception of the location's features and potential vistas. Being placed into the condensed space of urban tissue, creating an intimate space also presented an issue. Add to that the uneven terrain, extensive functional program and the fact, that the whole town is under the protection of Heritage Preservation Institute, there you have it – a true architectural design challenge.

Extensive compromises would be an easy way out.

But the clients would have none of that. And neither had we.

During a prolonged design process, multiple options were thoroughly explored and debated only to abandoned for this or that reason. At the end, a two non-matching-story building has been confirmed by both parties.

The stone cladded lower-level hosts master bedroom, kids’ rooms, bathrooms, IR sauna, wardrobes, a small multifunctional playroom, and technical room with food storage. Through the wide platform like stairs, it connects to the grassy courtyard bellow.

Smaller upper floor, on the access street level, features the main entrance, dining room that opens up onto the spacious elevated terrace, kitchen with a direct exit to the garden area and slightly elevated living room that offer superb views on the neighbouring valley and hills. The floor is complemented with a big garage connected to the main access road.

To access the lower garden from the upper terrace, one can use a gentle slope that seamlessly connect both outdoor spaces. And, if one feels especially adventurous, the same path can also be traversed via a curved climbing wall near the kids’ rooms.