Case study: Szegzárd Lodge in the Hungarian wine region

lodge in a hill
730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Case study: Szegzárd Lodge in the Hungarian wine region

Deep in the Hungarian countryside sit a series of structures, which shelter a stripped-back interior design scheme that allows the materials – and killer views of undulating hills – do the work. To ensure luxury was not compromised, the designers specified Focus to add drama and warmth with contemporary fireplaces…

lodge in a hill

Szegzárd Lodge is spread across nearly two hectares of hillside in the Hungarian countryside. The estate includes small private woods, a vineyard, and a hundred-tree orchard. Each building’s wooden exterior with juxtaposing angular architecture blends into the landscape while providing all the necessary luxury amenities – this modern nomad style is complete with all the extras, including a heated pool, jacuzzi, outdoor shower and sun loungers. A magnificent treehouse is located high up in the small woods attached to the estate, which offers an unmatched hospitality experience. Don’t let the simple structure and paired-back design fool you, though. The hospitality experience is modern in its tech, catering to all traveller – and there are even charging points available for electric cars.

The guest houses have been designed by Ep Studio architects: Tamás Fialovszky, Gergely Kenéz and  Katalin Varga and interior designer Péter Dudás.  The lodges are sunk into the hillside sitting on top of a solid concrete pedestal, which is combined with the light wooden roof structure. This combination of the two structures is quite common in agricultural architecture and allows the lodges to blend into the landscape.

Fireplace in lodge

Image credit: Focus

The interior layout is quite simple – minimalist with a natural feel – with only sleeping and bathing areas being separated from the living spaces. According to the architects, “it was important to extend the interior towards the garden with covered and open terraces.” High quality natural materials were used throughout the construction most prominent of which is the larch structure, windows and shades.

Inside, the compact Ergofocus fireplace is suspended adding drama, comfort and warmth (when required) to the space, complementing the natural interior. Made in France, by Focus, Ergofocus is one of its best selling fires and specified for hotel and hospitality projects.

For more than 50 years, and across all continents, Focus has been shaking up the codes of design convention. The brand was the first company to move the fireplace away from the wall to the middle of the room, putting the fireplace centre stage. With its genuinely iconic fireplace, the Gyrofocus, Focus has entered into the realm of international design legends.

Focus is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Szegzard Lodge

Hamish Kilburn / 09.09.2021

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