Compact Certified Passive House
Architecture
This is the most compact home designed and built by us to date. It integrates three bedrooms, one office, three bathrooms, and a generous living area within a footprint of just 121 m²—yet it feels much more spacious. The sense of space is enhanced through carefully placed glazed surfaces oriented toward views and sunlight, above-average ceiling heights, and a tall upper floor roof that follows the symmetrical gable shape.
The interior functions are complemented by a covered summer kitchen and a terrace directly connected to the living area.
Măgura House is a strong example of how a limited vision can lead to an ambitious result—delivering more with fewer resources.
The house was certified as a passive house in 2023.
Materials and Sustainability
The structure of Măgura House is made from CLT (cross-laminated timber) (link to CLT page), part of which remains exposed, serving as an organic and aesthetic element of the interior design. The house is fully insulated with wood fiber—a 100% recycled material with excellent insulating properties both in winter and summer.
The façade is entirely finished in untreated, thermally treated wood. The roof is made of standing seam metal sheets.
Technology
Măgura House is a passive house equipped with a centralized heat recovery ventilation system (link to heat recovery ventilation page) from Zehnder (link to Zehnder company?) with 88% heat recovery efficiency.
Beyond its high energy efficiency, this system contributes to a healthy and comfortable indoor environment by reducing excess humidity and preventing mold. By filtering incoming air and efficiently removing stale air, it significantly improves indoor air quality, supporting the well-being and health of the inhabitants.
Additional heat is provided by an air-to-water heat pump and distributed through underfloor heating in each room. The house is managed by a Loxone integrated smart automation system.
Energy Efficiency & Comfort Data
Function: single-family home, ground floor + upper floor, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 office
Built area: 160 m²
Usable total area: 121 m²
Year of construction: 2021
Heating energy consumption: 15 kWh/m²/year
Total energy consumption: 58 kWh/m²/year
Design team: architect Szabolcs Szilveszter, architect Marina Melenti, engineer Jacint Virag, engineer Cornel Stanciu