Modern Countryside Retreat With a Green Roof And Gabion Walls

Compared to its neighbors, this house from Romania stands out and is quite unusual but for all the right reasons. It’s a big structure with 420 square meters of living space inside and it’s designed to be a sustainable retreat similar in a lot of ways to many off-the-grid houses.

On the outside, the house shares many similarities with some of its neighbors
On the outside, the house shares many similarities with some of its neighbors

This amazing project was completed in 2018 by architecture studio BLIPSZ and occupies a beautiful site in the Transylvanian countryside. The eclectic design takes advantage of the mountain views in a great way. From a structural point of view, there are three sections to focus on: the main house and two barn-like modules. The sloping green roof and gabion walls extend the house towards the valley and add an unexpected design twist.

The dark timber roof extends slightly below and overlaps the walls
The dark timber roof extends slightly below and overlaps the walls
The south-facing side of the roof is entirely covered in photovoltaic panels
The south-facing side of the roof is entirely covered in photovoltaic panels
The solar panels provide around 90% of all the energy needed, making the house self-sufficient
The solar panels provide around 90% of all the energy needed, making the house self-sufficient
Large glazed sections open up the interior to the beautiful mountain scenery
Large glazed sections open up the interior to the beautiful mountain scenery

Although this is not a mainstream house a major goal throughout the project was to help it blend in and in order to do that the architects chose to work with natural building materials, earthy colors and simple shapes reminiscent of traditional local houses. The foundations and some sections of the frame are made of concrete while the rest of the walls are filled with clay bricks. The roof is supported by timber beams  and has no overhangs which helps the house maintain a simple and clean look. Inside, polished concrete floors, white walls, large windows and warm wood accents create a modern and very welcoming decor.

The interior design is modern and very clean and stylish without being too detailed
The interior design is modern and very clean and stylish without being too detailed
Exposed timber beams support the flat roof sections and act as design details for the social areas
Exposed timber beams support the flat roof sections and act as design details for the social areas
The large kitchen has a great view out of window and maintains a simple and neutral design
The large kitchen has a great view out of window and maintains a simple and neutral design
Splashes of color were added to the living area in the form of elegant furniture pieces arranged around a modern fireplace
Splashes of color were added to the living area in the form of elegant furniture pieces arranged around a modern fireplace
The gabion walls are one of the key defining features for the entire design of this house
The gabion walls are one of the key defining features for the entire design of this house
The house manages to seamlessly connect and blend in with its surroundings and the landscape
The house manages to seamlessly connect and blend in with its surroundings and the landscape
Natural materials and colors were prioritized throughout the project
Natural materials and colors were prioritized throughout the project
The house is designed to accommodate a large family and friends and includes a cozy guest room with bunk beds
The house is designed to accommodate a large family and friends and includes a cozy guest room with bunk beds
Numerous windows are scattered on all facades, linking the interior to the outside world
Numerous windows are scattered on all facades, linking the interior to the outside world
The polished concrete floors connect all the different spaces visually and add cohesiveness to the house
The polished concrete floors connect all the different spaces visually and add cohesiveness to the house
The sloping green roof is is covered with local plants and signifies the close relationship between the house and its surroundings
The sloping green roof is is covered with local plants and signifies the close relationship between the house and its surroundings