House by the River – scenic views and solar energy from SunRoof

Created for a family with two children, the House by the River was envisioned to blend seamlessly with the picturesque meanders of the protected river. However, strict local zoning regulations required the architects to adapt their initial concept, posing a significant challenge. MAKA Studio’s innovative solution harnessed the potential of the steep plot by embedding the building into the terrain. This approach ensured privacy from the street and neighboring properties while embracing the natural slope of the land.

The home is distinguished by its SunRoof solar roof, which blends harmoniously with the landscape, drawing the structure toward the river. The architects also designed a pathway aligned along a visual axis, leading directly to the water and enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors.

The architectural vision juxtaposes rugged entrance and retaining walls with refined interior spaces, creating a visually striking frame that accentuates the river’s beauty. A thoughtfully designed compositional axis running from east to west reflects the designers’ commitment to integrating indoor spaces seamlessly with the natural environment.

The strong design concept shaped the interior layout and room arrangement, carefully crafted to blend the home with its surroundings and offer residents a unique opportunity to admire the river’s natural flow among the trees. The building’s L-shaped layout envelops a ground-level terrace, fostering a sense of privacy and intimacy.

The façade design also reflects this contrast, with lightweight glass elements paired alongside reclaimed brick cladding, adding visual weight to the sections embedded in the terrain.

At the heart of the home’s innovation is its unique, integrated 2-in-1 SunRoof solar roof, which not only excels in aesthetics and efficiency but also leads the charge toward a more sustainable lifestyle. The sleek monocrystalline modules create a smooth, unified surface, imparting timeless elegance and enhancing the home’s streamlined profile.

During the design process, materials were meticulously chosen to balance aesthetic appeal, comfort, and energy efficiency. The SunRoof system generates 21.5 kWp of power, producing approximately 23,089 kWh of electricity annually—sufficient to meet household energy needs, heating requirements, and even charge an electric vehicle. This solution delivers comfort to the residents while providing both financial savings and environmental benefits.