Radical transformation of a house on the forest's edge through a rigorous spatial purification. Instead of demolition, we chose a strategy of uncovering the load-bearing essence, inserting a new vertical hall, creating a not only a house for living but also a space for silence and reflection.

Context and Background
The Harmónia locality near Modra is historically known as one of the first sites in area to institutionally explore the recreational potential of the forest. Although its character has evolved over time from a cottage settlement to a more permanent form of habitation, the essence of the place—proximity to nature and tranquility—remains preserved. The clients' original home on the outskirts of the city was gradually swallowed by suburbanization. They came to Harmónia with a desire to rediscover life in direct contact with the landscape. They selected a sloping plot with an existing house on the edge of the forest. The true potential of the site was revealed from the building's roof: through the tree canopies, deep, distant views opened up, becoming the defining moment of the new architectural concept.

The Original Object
The family house from the 1960s had been extended several times without a clear concept, resulting in rooms on numerous levels without a meaningful internal connection between floors. The layout was determined by the needs of a carpentry workshop, which the previous owner operated in the front section of the house.

Transformation vs. Demolition
The decision was made to transform, rather than demolish. Most of the load-bearing structures were preserved, the original positions and sizes of window and door openings were respected as much as possible. We retained or repaired the original external stairs, retaining walls, and landscape elements that anchor the house into the slope and maintain a natural and functional logic of movement across the site. After removing random accretions additions and layers and stripping back to the load-bearing structure, a spacious void emerged between the northern perimeter of the old house and the property boundary. In its place, we inserted a new central hall spanning three levels. It begins with the main entrance at the lowest level and opens into a sequence of staircases providing internal access to all floors, including a new upper level on the flat roof of the original structure. This connecting space, cascading down toward the front entrance and the rear patio, has become the symbol of the new house—its primary compositional and operational element, as well as a reference point for all main rooms. It unites the old and new parts of the house into a harmonious and legible whole. The geometry of the staircases allows for the separation of the private zone on the middle floor and the social space on the highest level.

Construction Process
The works proceeded slowly over nearly a decade, depending on the availability of resources. Access to the construction site was difficult, and a large portion of the work was carried out through self-build methods. The long construction period created the opportunity to experience the space physically before its completion and to better refine some design decisions. Great attention was paid to details and the placement of openings to achieve maximum sculptural and visual quality in every space and surface. Walls washed in light penetrating through corner openings, sunlight filtered through the branches of surrounding trees falling onto cement surfaces, and direct contact with the surrounding nature all invite one to slow down, and contemplate.

Integration into the Landscape
Centuries-old Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) are located within (and beyond) the garden space. Together with them, Canadian hemlocks (Tsuga canadiensis), planted in the 1960s and still in excellent condition, create a mysterious atmosphere. We respected the space and created a natural green roof for the garage, which now completely blends with the garden environment. We added grasses and perennials that complete the natural character.

Summary
The design works with the idea of empty space, which is not a deficiency but a conscious intention—a platform for one´s existence, reflection, and regeneration. It demands slowness and profound attention. A reduced material palette and precise geometry create acoustic comfort and a resonating visual silence. Architecture functions as an interface: simultaneously separating and mediating the relationship between man and world, interior and landscape, body and soul. The result is a house in harmony—with its users and its environment.