In Ullo, Hungary architecture firm KONKRET Studio designed a compact modern home for a family of four that feels quietly tucked away from the busy main street nearby. Positioned between a walnut grove and an open hay field, the house sits toward the rear of a long family property that has been passed down through generations.
At the front of the site stands an older farmhouse, while the new home occupies a more secluded section of the garden surrounded by trees and open land. From the bedrooms, the family can look across wide fields where deer and rabbits occasionally appear, while the living spaces open toward rows of walnut trees that soften the landscape around the house.
Even though the main road is still close by, the home feels calm and sheltered. Its location gives the impression of being far removed from the activity of the town, with the garden and surrounding greenery acting almost like a buffer between the house and the outside world.
Wrapped Entirely in Black Corrugated Cladding
The first thing that stands out about the house is its striking exterior. The entire structure has been wrapped in black corrugated fiber-cement siding, including the roof, giving the home a clean and uninterrupted appearance.
The architects selected the material because it was durable, economical, and practical, while also offering a bold industrial texture. The corrugated surface creates subtle shadow lines across the facade throughout the day, helping the otherwise simple form feel more layered and dynamic.
The cladding also functions as a waterproof outer shell, allowing the architects to simplify many exterior details. The low-pitched asymmetrical roof blends directly into the walls, creating a continuous black envelope around the compact structure. Without traditional roof overhangs, the house takes on a sharper and more modern silhouette.
The use of fiber-cement panels also supported a modular construction approach. The material could be assembled precisely and efficiently, while still allowing future infrastructure work to happen beneath the outer shell if needed later on.
Warm Wood Alcoves Break Up the Dark Exterior
Against the dark exterior, two recessed spaces lined in raw larch wood introduce warmth and contrast. These carved-out areas soften the industrial appearance of the house and create more inviting transitions between indoors and outdoors.
One alcove forms the sheltered entry area. Set back from the exterior shell, it creates a welcoming arrival point that feels more intimate and protected from the weather. A bench inherited from the family’s grandparents adds another layer of warmth near the entrance.
The second wood-lined opening forms the covered terrace connected to the living and dining spaces. Enclosed on three sides, the outdoor area extends directly toward the walnut grove and acts as an outdoor dining and gathering space for the family.
The terrace also strengthens the connection between the kitchen and the garden. Positioned beside the dining and living areas, it allows the entire shared space to expand outdoors during warmer months.
A Compact Layout Designed Around Family Living
Although the house measures only around 110 square metres, the layout was designed to include everything the family needed without wasting space.
The floor plan is divided into two clear zones. On one side are the three bedrooms and bathrooms, while the opposite side contains the kitchen, dining area, and living room. The entrance sits between these two sections, helping separate private and shared spaces.
A wall of built-in storage runs through the interior and hides flush doors leading to the bedrooms and bathrooms. This design keeps the white walls visually clean while allowing the storage to serve multiple purposes throughout the home.
The kitchen, dining, and living areas form one open room, but the kitchen can also be concealed when needed. A hidden sliding door tucked into wood paneling allows the family to separate the kitchen from the lounge area while maintaining the minimalist appearance of the interior.
White walls and ceilings brighten the rooms, while polished concrete floors run through the main living spaces to reinforce the open-plan layout.
The material palette stays intentionally simple. Grey tones appear throughout the interiors, while yellow accents bring small moments of color into the home. In the kitchen, wood cabinetry and a matching island add warmth against the concrete flooring and white surfaces.
The bedrooms feature parquet flooring, giving the more private spaces a warmer and more comfortable feel. Bathrooms were finished with straightforward white tiles that match the restrained aesthetic used throughout the rest of the home.
Off the dining area, a playroom creates a dedicated space for the children while still remaining visually linked to the main living area.
KONKRET Studio balanced industrial materials with softer interior elements to create a family house that feels modern and functional.