CLT House - Frătăuți
A residential building with a CLT and glued laminated timber structure, featuring a roof geometry inspired by the traditional architecture of Bucovina.
The project in Frătăuții Noi proposes a contemporary reinterpretation of vernacular architecture from northern Bucovina, based on a detailed analysis of traditional households in the Frătăuți–Vicovu de Sus area. The field study revealed distinct local characteristics such as the use of vertical timber rhythms, strong chromatic contrasts, and the consistent architectural language applied across entire homesteads. These elements were reinterpreted into a contemporary expression capable of meeting modern living requirements while maintaining a strong connection to the built identity of the place.
One of the main challenges of the project was balancing functional and energy performance requirements with the traditional role of the house as a representative element facing the public space. The proposed solution draws on the architectural language of local barns and ancillary buildings, characterized by generous volumes and limited glazing. The north façade is treated as a graphic composition inspired by these structures, using timber rhythms and carefully controlled solid-to-void ratios to create a strong and distinctive presence towards the street.
The architectural concept also integrates a series of cultural references identified within the local heritage. Geometric motifs associated with solar symbolism, frequently found on traditional buildings in the region, were reinterpreted and incorporated into the façade composition and timber detailing. The porch, developed along three sides of the house, functions both as a transitional space between interior and exterior and as an active climatic element, filtering natural light and creating shifting shadow patterns that continuously transform the perception of the building’s volume.
From a structural perspective, the project addressed a key challenge related to the generous spans of the attic space and the clients’ desire for maximum flexibility. The adopted solution consists of a roof system that efficiently combines timber elements with discrete steel tie rods capable of transferring loads without intermediate supports. This approach allowed the elimination of columns in the central area and the creation of a fully open attic level, characterized by wide spans and abundant natural light.
The functional layout is organized around a “rustic room” dedicated to the clients’ collection of textiles, furniture, and traditional objects. This space becomes the compositional core of the house, with all primary functions arranged around it. At the scale of the entire homestead, the arrangement of volumes follows the traditional “L-shaped” configuration, contributing to the definition of a sheltered courtyard and ensuring a harmonious integration of rural elements such as the summer kitchen, orchard, and well.
Credits & Technical Information:
Architecture: Miolk
Technical design: Ștefania Lupan
Structural engineering: Inginerie Creativă
Energy performance compliance: Arminius
Building services: RENSO
Construction system: CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber)
Location: Frătăuții Noi, Suceava County
Usable area: 185 m² + cellar
Interior volume: 668 m³
