House on Slana Voda - Slovakia

The settlement of Slaná Voda has been known since the late Middle Ages for the springs with exceptional properties found there. The iodine-bromine brines were initially used mainly for economic and medicinal purposes by extracting salt from them; in the mid-19th century they began to be used for rehabilitation purposes and a spa was established there.

House on Slana Voda - Slovakia

Through bathing, applying compresses and drinking the water, many diseases were treated here. The bathing establishment operated until World War I, after which the equipment was stolen, the spa collapsed and was never restored. One of the oldest hiking trails in the Western Beskids and the oldest trail to Babia Gora also runs from this settlement.

House on Slana Voda - Slovakia

In such a historically interesting, but also scenically beautiful area, at the foot of Babia Gora, Z3Z ARCHITEKCI studio was given another assignment. The owner of the plots of land located near the old health resort would like to attract people to the area again, initially by building houses for rent, and later, if all goes well, a sanatorium with facilities for employees and patients.

House on Slana Voda - Slovakia

The cottages are to be built on an escarpment, along a stream, on the border of a forest, among trees with a view of a large clearing and Babia Gora. The terrain, its relief and views, is extremely picturesque. We always approach the design in such a place with humility - the block must fit in with the area, enrich it, not overwhelm it. The program of the cottage envisioned, in addition to the living room and kitchenette, as well as two bedrooms and a bathroom, also a small wellness area, which would emphasize the unique character of the place. The sculpture of the site made it possible to create an interesting layout: the building, inscribed in the slope at the first floor level, has a living area with a large glass window towards the Babia Góra Range; in the attic, a night zone; at level -1, pressed into the terrain, a welness zone and an additional bedroom are located, with a direct exit towards the stream. The concept is to be able to use the sauna inside the cottage and cool off in the waters of the stream, surrounded by beautiful nature.

House on Slana Voda - Slovakia

The body corresponds to many mountain buildings - a steep gabled roof descends almost to the ground at the front, the entrance cuts into this roof creating a small canopy. The house with large glazing in the first floor and a half-open basement opens towards the most attractive landscape. The facade is covered with wood planking, and the retaining walls are designed with stones. A terrace, accessible from the living room, forms a canopy over the wellness area. Thanks to natural materials, the building fits naturally into the surrounding landscape.