REFORM Architecture & Design

Ceahlău, Private House

  1. Location: Str. Ceahlău, Brașov, Romania
  2. Year: 2020
  3. Status: Concept
  4. Role: Project Architect

Located on a quiet residential street in Brașov, this private house on Ceahlăul Street reflects a restrained yet confident architectural expression, blending modern functionality with vernacular inspiration. The project reinterprets the traditional pitched-roof typology through a minimalist lens, creating a home that is both timeless and contextually sensitive.

Architectural Form & Materiality

The exterior is defined by a clean, gabled silhouette that echoes the familiar profile of traditional Romanian dwellings. This archetypal form is stripped down to its essential geometry, resulting in a sculptural volume clad in a dual-material façade—smooth white plaster juxtaposed with vertical wood panels in a deep brown tone. The contrast provides a dynamic visual rhythm while grounding the building firmly in its contemporary setting.

Spatial Strategy & Interior Atmosphere

The interior layout is thoughtfully composed to encourage a seamless flow between public and private functions. The ground floor opens with a welcoming lobby, leading into an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area—designed to foster family interaction and spatial fluidity. Generous windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and frame curated views of the surrounding greenery, establishing a strong visual and emotional connection with the outdoors. Situated on the ground floor are only the garage and technical spaces, and on the first floor are the other private functions. This fact is due to the sloping terrain.

Site Integration & Landscape

The house is carefully sited within its urban plot, with a modest front setback and landscaped buffers providing both privacy and a soft transition from street to interior. The restrained use of hardscaping and native planting creates a serene, low-maintenance outdoor environment.

Design Ethos

This project reflects a commitment to spatial clarity, material integrity, and urban sensitivity. It stands as a compact, energy-conscious home that meets the needs of modern living while subtly referencing the architectural heritage of the region.