Dwelling-house, Bratislava-Čunovo

Architects: Peter Jurkovič, Lukáš Kordík, Števo Polakovič
Text: Eszter Götz
Photos: Peter Jurkovič

There are certain principles encoded in traditional folk architecture, verified by ages and still relevant. Especially in the context of the need to reduce our ecological footprint and energy waste. Bigger is not always better! Simple buildings didn’t fight with the nature but has become part of it. They were built of local materials that were readily available and did not need a long and difficult transport – wood, clay and straw to name a few. An under–roof porch, called “gánok” was traditional part of the house in rural Slovakia, ensuring the contact with outside environment even in winter or during bad weather. During the design process the architects looked back to these principles. They proposed a fusion of old and contemporary architecture. The icon–shaped house has a small footprint, tiny picturesque windows and a porch. Ground floor is organized by a traditional three–room scheme.