The seasonal nature of usage poses a significant challenge for the settlements around Lake Balaton, hindering the region’s continuous development. To address this issue, we have designed residential buildings suitable for year-round use, providing attractive housing opportunities for professionals operating the area’s public services. Our goal was to strengthen the functioning of educational, healthcare, and cultural institutions by retaining skilled workforce.

During the design of the residential buildings, we placed special emphasis on sustainability. The site includes three buildings: two of them house a total of 16 service apartments, while the third building contains market-rate apartments for sale. The buildings were designed with an east-west orientation to ensure optimal sunlight exposure and minimize summer overheating. The access balconies and terraces provide shading, complemented by built-in aluminum shutters and climbing vegetation on the façade. Due to the high groundwater level, the buildings were designed without basements, reducing earthworks and construction costs.

The structural system consists of CLT panels, allowing for a fast, precise, and environmentally friendly construction process. Steel-framed access balconies ensure easy movement for residents. In line with floodplain characteristics, one of the buildings is elevated on stilts, creating a covered parking area. As part of the project’s requirements, five new trees will be planted per apartment, increasing the proportion of green spaces.

One of the iconic elements of our project is the Haidekker mesh, a well-known architectural feature in the Balaton region that plays a role in local identity. The mesh serves not only as a visual characteristic but also as a functional shading device. Its material-efficient yet highly rigid structure supports the maintenance of the façade’s green surface while ensuring sustainable shading.

To foster social interactions, we have created a community garden and a playground for the residents. The once underutilized area has been transformed into an accessible, aesthetically pleasing green space with wildflower meadows, water features, and sustainable gravel-paved pedestrian pathways. Our project not only enhances the region’s retention capacity but also establishes a long-term sustainable and livable residential environment around Lake Balaton.