The Black & White House

Budapest, Hungary

Fotografia © Levente Sirokai

Habitatge unifamiliar

Architects: Földes Architects

Localització: Budapest, Hungary
Any: 2014

The plot is situated in a garden-house area, a typical cube-shape, tent roof house stands on it. The owner’s intention was to enlarge the building as it proved too small. Taking into consideration the family’s needs and the conditions of the plot we extended the existing house with a kitchen, dining-room, living-room unit and a garage. Our aim was to save and keep as much of the original plants and trees on the plot as possible.

The basic concept was to generate contrast by opposing a traditional gable roof unit and a flat roof part.

The existing building is insulated outside and the roof is changed to a gable roof. This part comprises the spaces for living, with the option for a future integration of the attic.

The extension is situated to the North from the existing building. The kitchen, dining-room, living-room unit and its basement organically extend the building. Its gravel covered flat roof hides an external passageway and a covered open terrace as well. The garage and the store rooms are placed in the basement that you can reach from the outside.

The two blocks are connected with a small unit comprising the entrance thus dividing the private and the “public” zones.

The two parts differ in character, shape and colour as well, yet the tension between them creates harmony.