Nestled on a quiet hillside in Dunabogdány, Hungary, the Console House by Hello Wood is a compact retreat designed for year-round living. With panoramic views of the Danube Bend, it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. The home’s design is simple but intentional—blending modern architecture with the natural terrain to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated.

The house is built on a steep slope and raised on stilts, a decision that allows the land to remain largely untouched. Water can flow naturally, and the forest floor remains preserved beneath. From below, the home appears to float above the trees, its lightweight structure adding to its quiet presence in the landscape. Fruit trees grow just beneath it, reinforcing the idea that this is a home meant to sit with the land rather than impose on it.

Influenced by the work of Hungarian architect Lajos Kozma and the clean lines of modernist buildings on Lupa Island, the Console House stands out without being flashy. The exterior is clad in blackened timber using the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique—a process that not only gives the home its dark, textured look but also adds a layer of durability to the wood. Every angle and joint is neatly finished, speaking to a high level of craftsmanship.

One of the home’s most defining features is the 27-square-meter covered terrace. With its cantilevered roof reaching out over the hillside, the terrace extends the living space outdoors and anchors the structure visually. From here, the view stretches across the valley and hills beyond, making it an ideal spot to start the morning or wind down at the end of the day. Large glass panels open directly from the interior to the terrace, creating a seamless connection between inside and out.

Inside, the layout is efficient and practical. The 31-square-meter heated living area includes an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space, plus a sleeping area on the ground floor. A loft-style gallery adds extra room for sleeping, easily accommodating a small family. The interiors are warm and understated, with natural wood surfaces and minimal décor that help the space feel calm without being sterile. Everything has its place, and nothing feels overdone.

Hello Wood placed a strong emphasis on sustainability when designing the Console House. The structure is primarily made of CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) and BSH laminated wood beams—materials that offer strength, fire resistance, and a lower environmental impact. Instead of pouring a concrete foundation, the builders used screw piles, further reducing the construction’s footprint. The house was assembled quickly, with the main structure going up in just one and a half days.

From its restrained architecture to its efficient interior, the Console House is a study in simplicity done well. It’s a place designed not to impress but to work—offering comfort, privacy, and a close connection to the surrounding landscape. Whether you're watching the clouds shift over the hills or just enjoying a quiet moment on the terrace, this home proves that good design doesn’t need to be complicated to feel complete.

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