Two identical chalets are located in the sought-after ski resort of Jasná, situated within the Low Tatras National Park. Although both chalets share a unified architectural concept and interior design, a minor modification was introduced on the first floor to better respond to the specific practical needs of the client. Their unique location, offering direct views of the dominant peak of Chopok, became the key starting point for both the spatial layout and the character of the interior. The project originally emerged as part of a small-scale development with a unified architectural concept. However, following a thorough analysis of the urban context and the client’s practical requirements, the floor plans underwent significant modifications. This transformation was also reflected in the façades of both buildings, which were opened up through large-format glazing oriented towards the panoramic mountain scenery. The design responds to the demanding climatic conditions of the site, characterized by cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. The ruggedness and purity of the mountain landscape are reflected in the selection of materials and their expressive contrasts. Hard, naturally authentic materials—concrete, metal, stone, and glass—are balanced by the softness of textiles, organic furniture forms, and warm, subdued interior lighting.

An important aspect of the concept is the use of material memory. The aged oak wood incorporated into the interior originates from more than 200-year-old timber beams that were recycled and transformed into a new wooden veneer. The project therefore combines the historical value of the material with contemporary principles of sustainable design. Concrete and wood also form the primary expression of the façades and naturally continue into the interior spaces.

Rough stone appears in furniture details and stone flooring. The motif of the bear, a characteristic animal of the region, together with the forest as its natural habitat, is symbolically represented in wallpaper graphics and soft textile elements.

The design also places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The building utilizes a heat pump system combined with heat recovery ventilation, ensuring efficient air exchange while minimizing energy losses. Underfloor heating further enhances living comfort by providing an even distribution of warmth throughout the interior. A green roof forms part of the ecological concept, improving the building’s microclimate and helping it blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.
The connection between the interior and exterior is a key motif of the design. The main living area is oriented towards panoramic views and complemented by large-format glazing. High-quality timber-aluminium windows and lift-and-slide doors enable the living space to open seamlessly towards the landscape, strengthening both the visual and physical connection with the surroundings.

The atmosphere of the main living space is enhanced by a ceiling installation evoking planets in the night sky, while the organic form of the sofa resembles a cluster of snowballs. Living areas predominantly feature darker material tones, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere. In contrast, the bathrooms—often lacking direct natural daylight—are designed in a light colour palette with white tiles, glossy surfaces, and rounded mirrors.
The primary ambition of the design was to create an authentic space that responds sensitively to the character of the site and, through the use of natural materials, light, and atmosphere, conveys a unique experience of living within the mountain landscape.

zornicka / architects

Ing. arch. Juraj Zornička
Ing. arch. Alexandra Zorničková