Case Valea Doftanei

The complex proposes the construction of two holiday homes, located on a plot of land near Paltinu Lake, within a natural setting dominated by forest, tranquillity, and the specific relief of the Doftana Valley. The isolated positioning of the site and the absence of built neighbours have generated a secluded architecture, oriented towards a direct relationship with the landscape and the idea of a temporary refuge, in contrast to the rhythm of the city from which the owners originate.

Each home is organised into two distinct blocks – one dedicated to the living area and one to the sleeping area – united by a ground-floor joint that marks the transition between the social and private spaces. This intermediate space functions as a clear threshold between the social and intimate zones, between open and protected, between the collective dynamics of common areas and the necessary retreat of private zones, an important separation in the context of temporary living where the house may simultaneously accommodate multiple users. From the moment of entry, the perspective is constructed axially towards the lake, so that the gaze traverses the entire connecting space and opens directly onto the landscape through the large glazed surface on the opposite side.

The daytime zone is designed as a generous space, fully open to the landscape, with a fully glazed side facing the lake and the wooded slope descending towards the water. The nighttime zones house the private spaces of the two dwellings. In the first, the bedrooms are arranged on the ground floor and first floor, with the attic serving as a relaxation area facing the lake. In the second, the bedrooms are organised on the ground floor and attic, capitalising on the intimate character and views offered by the upper level.

The housing structure is made of wood and remains visible internally, including at the roof structure level, where the constructive expression becomes part of the space's atmosphere. The materiality of the project is defined by solid wood, natural stone, and ample glazed surfaces, in a contemporary language directly connected to the natural context.

Between the houses and the lake, the land descends through a wooded slope that transforms the approach to the water into a slow, secluded path. The tranquil character of the place is further supported by the nature of the lake itself, where only electric motor boats are permitted, preserving the calm and unspoilt atmosphere of the landscape.