Nestled at the edge of the Slovak village of Banka, the Banánka House by Paulíny Hovorka Architects is a minimalist retreat that dissolves the line between built form and landscape. Designed with a restrained palette of concrete, wood, stone, and glass, the single-storey residence embraces its forested valley setting, framing daily life around an immersive connection to nature.
The house adopts a Y-shaped floor plan, with three wings—parents’ suite, children’s area, and entrance/utility zone—radiating from a central living hall. This layout ensures privacy while maintaining a fluid relationship with the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls retract fully, merging the interior with a covered terrace, garden, and pond. The design emphasizes raw materials, durability, and contemplative living, with gabion walls, bespoke furnishings, and ultra-slim glazing reinforcing a sense of timeless simplicity.
The Banánka House responds to its surroundings through an honest materiality and low-slung horizontal form. Large glazed facades dominate the structure, dissolving boundaries between inside and outside—a feature the owners frequently utilize during Slovakia’s extended summer season. The melancholic beauty of the rock garden, stream, and dense deciduous forest becomes an integral part of the interior experience.
Situated on the outskirts of Banka, the property enjoys deep seclusion at the end of a lush valley. The name “Banánka” refers to a female resident of the village, reflecting the home’s intimate connection to its context. A narrow asphalt road transitions into a forest path, leading to the site where a natural stream enhances the sense of tranquility. Mature trees and thick vegetation provide privacy, shielding the house from neighboring properties.
The Y-shaped design was carefully arranged to preserve existing trees while dividing the garden into smaller, intimate zones. Each room enjoys a unique view, reinforcing the home’s contemplative atmosphere. The structure features board-formed concrete ceilings, exposed concrete walls, and gabion partitions that extend from exterior to interior. Wooden cladding and decking add warmth, while hidden doors maintain the minimalist aesthetic.
The central living hall acts as the heart of the home, linking the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A glass-enclosed wine cellar and a stone-clad fireplace anchor the space, while retractable glazing opens it entirely to the covered terrace. Outside, a summer kitchen, grill, and dining area overlook the pond and forest, creating a seamless transition for outdoor living.
The southwest wing houses the master suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe, spacious bathroom, and a wellness area featuring a sauna and a private terrace with a hot tub. The southeast wingaccommodates children’s and guest rooms, along with a multipurpose meditation space. A smaller north-facing wing contains utilitarian functions, including a carport under an extended roof.
The Banánka House exemplifies Slovak contemporary architecture at its finest—rooted in nature, crafted with precision, and designed for mindful living. By prioritizing natural materials, spatial clarity, and a deep connection to the landscape, Paulíny Hovorka Architects have created a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
For those seeking architecture that harmonizes with its environment, the Banánka House stands as a compelling example of how minimalist design can foster serenity, functionality, and an enduring bond with nature.