Pantilimon House

A family home facing the forest, with shared spaces below and quieter rooms above. The memory of the French country house meets a contemporary approach.

Bârnova, Iași, Romania

Building in progress

Pantilimon House — garden elevation with covered timber terrace, brick screens and pale metal-clad upper floor — Pantilimon House / Garden elevation

Pantilimon House kitchen visualisation with warm-toned cabinetry, an open bookshelf and natural light — Kitchen and joinery / Interior visualisation

Pantilimon House dining area and staircase beneath an exposed concrete ceiling — Dining and stair / Interior study

Pantilimon House interior study with a leather sofa, open shelving and kitchen beneath exposed concrete beams — Living and kitchen / Interior study

Pantilimon House — covered terrace with dining and seating areas beside a perforated brick screen — Pantilimon House / Covered terrace

Pantilimon House — side elevation with a pale standing-seam roof and a perforated brick screen beside the garden — Pantilimon House / Side elevation

Pantilimon House architectural drawing showing the ground-floor plan, first-floor plan and a cross-section — Ground floor plan, first floor plan and section

Family life, with the forest in view.

The forest behind the site is one of the brief's defining references. Views and orientation are tied to the way the family wishes to live: together on the ground floor, with quieter rooms upstairs and a terrace extending the living area outdoors.

Two rhythms of living

The brief describes a house of approximately 150 square metres over two storeys. At entrance level, the living room and kitchen form the family's shared space. The connection to the terrace is central, while a desired ground-floor height of 3–3.2 metres seeks to give the main rooms air and proportion.

Three bedrooms are planned upstairs in a more private part of the house. The programme includes an en-suite bathroom, a shared bathroom and a ground-floor WC. Two workspaces complete the brief, bringing work, family routines and time together into the same home.

Looking towards the trees

Views to the east, south and west are prioritised. Large windows with dark frames and glazing bars are imagined as frames for the planting beyond. The relationship with the forest is developed through the orientation of rooms and what can be seen from within them.

The staircase and fireplace are two elements the clients want to have a distinct presence. One is conceived as an object within the space; the other as a focus for the living area. Their position forms part of a study in how the house is experienced as people move through it.

The memory of a country house

The French-country reference expresses a preference for familiarity, texture and an enduring atmosphere. Timber, stone and microcement form the intended palette, in cream and earthy tones. Dark window details would bring a more precise outline to this warm composition.

The brief calls for a contemporary interpretation and deliberately avoids decorative timber slats. Character is sought in proportion, the relationship between surfaces and openings, and the presence of materials. The forest remains the constant reference, from the plan to the desired atmosphere indoors.

Design brief and direction / Area and materials describe the proposed brief.