Cechvala Architects wraps Bratislava house in corrugated raw aluminium

Cechvala Architects, a Slovakian firm, has finalized RDH, a modern family residence situated in Bratislava's Sihot district, entirely wrapped in untreated corrugated aluminium. This three-story structure is positioned between a branch of the Danube River and the Carpathian foothills, adjacent to a horticultural center. The design adhered to a 2009 building permit that dictated its footprint, height, and placement. The home is arranged in three stacked sections: a solid base with a garage, fitness area, and utility rooms; a glazed first floor featuring open-plan living and a bedroom; and a smaller upper section leading to a roof terrace. The facades facing neighbors are predominantly solid, while those overlooking the river are largely glazed. A dark steel staircase winds through a full-height concrete stairwell topped with a skylight. The interior boasts exposed concrete ceilings, light timber flooring, and built-in furnishings. The layout is based on a modular structural grid, enabling flexible internal partitions. Cantilevered terraces enhance passive solar shading, complemented by textile screens for extra shade and privacy. Architect Ondrej Zajac noted that the raw aluminium facade reflects light and color, evolving throughout the day, and that the design accommodates the changing needs of its residents.