Family House, Nis, Serbia | Branislava Stoiljkovic

This family house has been constructed on a hillside, in peaceful and green part of the city that makes it ideal for the life of four-member family.

The terrain toward the street is sloped, that has enabled the construction of wide underground garage, accessed by a short ramp. First floor level is on the same level as the backyard. Broad covered staircase is used for entering the house. From the entrance a wonderful view is offered along the whole house, and further, through glazed openings toward the backyard.

The central motif is a glazed patio in the very heart of the house, that runs to the top floor and is intended as an open room that additionally refines the house space and introduces light and air into its deep plan. It visually connects parts of the house on all levels, that makes the house even more spacious.

The entire first floor is designed as a fluid space. Kitchen, dining room and living room are interwoven, whilst the study room is separated from this “noisy” part of the house. Immense, sun-bathed living room with fireplace is connected to the exterior via vast glass wall, that makes it the most beautiful part of the house. The spacious terraces, connected to dinnig and living room, are intended for dining in the open, children’s activities, rest and relaxation. The terraces are linked to the deck and swimming pool in the yard by several steps.

The second floor contains more private areas, bedrooms and bathrooms, placed along the hall around the patio. The balcony above the first floor living room is designed as a family room, connected to the large living room via glazed opening in the floor.

The third floor, intended for socializing with guests, relaxation and recreation, consists of a living room with small kitchen and home gym. Additionally, there is a spacious roof terrace.

In terms of the form, the house consists of three clearly separated volumes, cladded in different coloured coats. The largest volume on the west side runs all three levels and is cladded in light grey Eternit panels. Volume on the eastern side, that includes first floor, is offset and cladded in dark grey Eternit panels. Volume on the second floor is cladded in Fundermax panels in teak wood pattern. This volume is laterally slightly overhung over façade surface of the first floor, while overhung parts towards the street and the yard are rather dramatic and are supported by inclined steel columns.

In the interior dominate light and dark shades of grey combined with fresh green details. The walls in living rooms and dining room are cladded in teak wood pattern panels which brings warmth into a simple and elegant interior design. Oak-veneered furniture is contrasted to smooth black granite surface of the kitchen and fireplace. Lighting design creates warm and pleasant family atmosphere.