RIVER HOUSE
RIVER HOUSE is a duplex residential project located in Slovakia, designed to accommodate two families—whether independent households or related generations—living side by side. Each residence is conceived as a self-sufficient home with its own sense of privacy, while the overall layout encourages interaction and a subtle sense of community.
At the heart of the design lies the idea of the RIVER as metaphor: a flowing, ever-changing natural element that gradually transforms into stones and pebbles along its banks. These solidified forms create both a division and a link, establishing an imaginary border between the two dwellings. The architectural expression translates this metaphor into built form—spaces are clearly separated to ensure intimacy, yet permeable enough to allow moments of crossing and connection between neighbors.
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LOCATION
Nižná Kamenica, Slovakia
Nižná Kamenica, Slovakia
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TYPE
Residential, Housing
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Residential, Housing
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SIZE
240 sqm
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240 sqm
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STATUS
Concept, SD Stage
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Concept, SD Stage
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This project explores the potential of duplex typology beyond conventional notions of shared housing. By embracing flexibility, Riverhouse responds to the shifting patterns of modern living. Families may evolve, tenants may change, and lifestyles may adapt over time. The design anticipates these transformations by providing a structure that is versatile, resilient, and capable of accommodating a wide range of living arrangements.
Given the compact footprint, every square meter of Riverhouse had to be carefully considered. The interior layout was developed with a strong emphasis on spatial efficiency and natural light. Strategic positioning of openings ensures that daylight penetrates deeply into the interiors, creating bright, uplifting living environments despite the limited area.
The subtle offset of the façades is more than a formal gesture; it generates intimate, semi-private outdoor spaces at the front of each home. These front yards act as protective thresholds—welcoming yet secluded—where families can gather, children can play, or quiet moments can be enjoyed without disturbing one another. This sensitive approach ensures that shared proximity does not compromise personal comfort.
The architectural language of Riverhouse is dynamic and contemporary, balancing a public face with a private retreat. The street-facing frontage presents a strong, confident identity, while the backyard offers a sheltered sanctuary. This duality transforms the duplex into more than just two houses under one roof—it becomes a shared, yet deeply personal form of living.
Ultimately, Riverhouse is a study in contrasts: openness and seclusion, individuality and community, permanence and adaptability. It reimagines the duplex not merely as a cost-efficient housing solution but as a lifestyle framework, one that allows residents to both share meaningful connections and retreat into their own secure, personal domains. It is a place where living side by side evolves into thriving together, and where a house becomes a true home.
