AN ARCHITECTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE FEKETE HAZ (BLACK HOUSE)
Kiriko Clare Wangu BJ6HP8
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
9th November 2024
INTRODUCTION
Light can only exist in the face of darkness. Similarly, uniqueness is birthed in monotony
The Black house (Fekete Ház) is a unique form that stands distinctively in the modern Era.
Designed by Studiobazaar Architect and Design Workshop , Barnabás Kozák , Ákos Gyergyák and completed in the year 2022, it stands on the edge of the Alder Valley Forest, at Darás dűlő, in Pécs The Black House is an exceptional family home design that combines functionality, material selection, and aesthetics to produce a refined yet straightforward shape that embodies the essence of its surroundings.
ANALYSIS
The Black House has a floor area of 155m2 Its expansive windows and south facing terrace that runs along the entire cross section of the building offer panoramic views of the adjacent city, Pécs. Its location in the forest creates an intimate experience with nature.
The main façade material, larch paneling with a shingle profile creates the effect of the burnt cedar board (Shou Sugi ban, designed in 18th century Japan), giving the façade its luxurious black color. Furthermore, it is resistant to fire, UV radiation and organic damage. The exposed steel rafters on the complementing black roof profile add to the aesthetic quality of the exterior façade and interior spaces. The raw concrete finish on the interior walls provides a natural feel in the spaces.
THE FORM
The Black House is characterized by a high pitched roof which offers an attic space that is intergrated with the main living space to create a double volume with a high ceiling The roof surface provides room for skylights that ensure sufficient lighting to the interior. The roof form adds to the visual quality of the overall shape as it provides an area for the installation of steel rafters that are left uncovered within the interior space giving unique patterns both inside the building and above the expansive outdoor terrace. This borrows from Scandinavian architecture.
The design incorporates hidden solar panels contributing to a sustainable design as well as maintaining the theme of a black exterior appearance
On the main building, a red floating smoke screen pierces the roof and serves as a chimney space for the outdoor firepit which is incorporated into the terrace. The floating screen is a red truncated pyramid form that creates sharp contrast from the dominant black form.
The yellow wooden cladding on the openings creates a good contrast from the black on the facades. The facades are executed with clean workmanship making the form appear neat and sharp.
THE INTERIOR LAYOUT
The rectangular floor plan is simple. The staircase is situated next to the main entrance allowing direct access to the lower floor. The entrance lobby creates a transitional space between the entrance and the living room. The living room, dining and kitchen space, which are the public spaces, are connected in a semi open layout that allows free circulation. The master bedroom, which is a private space, is directly connected to the living space, however, separated by a partition wall therefore providing an accessible private space.. The terrace serves as an extension of the living and dining spaces with seating areas in the outdoor that allow interaction with the exterior environment.
The black house has a compacted layout which allows maximum use of the available area. The underground exploitation of building area creates private sleeping spaces for the children and the area under the terrace serves as a garage, hence minimizing the wasted area. The lower floor is accessible through a staircase on the side of the building. The expansive windows in the living space allow sufficient natural light which flows into the attic gallery, the office space. The openings are mainly situated in the southern facade which keeps the house warm during winter.
The incompleteness of the rectangular form under the pitched roof is a creative method of space creation. Consequently, the implied space created from this effect serves as the outdoor terrace
The kitchen and dining space interiors have an interplay of black furniture and raw concrete creating a neutral and elegant color scheme. The kitchen island provides extra dining space and is served by a bar. A lively and contrasting green color is introduced on the wall..
The bold expression of the black house is a quality I want to bring to life in my design. It is expressed in the choice of color, the shape of the design and the contrasting floating screen in red color as well as the yellow lining of the openings. The maximum space utilization allows for accommodation of all functions in a cozy space allowing for comfort and less wastage.
The circulation path provides free and easy movement into the different function spaces. The layout allows fluid interaction between the private and public spaces.
The glass balcony connects the attic gallery to the main living space creating a transitional space which could function as a private working space or as an expansion of the public spaces on the lower floor depending on the user’s preferences.
CONCLUSION
The Black House (Fekete Haz) is an outstanding family house design which marries function with material use and aesthetic to create a sophisticated yet simple form that captures the spirit of place.
REFERENCES
Kozák, B. (2023). Fekete ház – Családi ház a Darázs dűlőben, epiteszforum. Retrieved on 26th November, 2024 from https://epiteszforum.hu/fekete-haz csaladi-haza-darazs-duloben
