French architecture studio Coldefy, in collaboration with Demeter Design Studio (DDS), has completed the first phase of housing at Lake 11 Home & Park, a major new lakeside residential development located at the picturesque edge of Budapest's 11th district. The project represents a significant addition to Hungary's residential architecture landscape, combining sustainable design principles with innovative housing solutions.
Coldefy and DDS were selected through a competitive process to design 175 homes across three lots within an eight-hectare masterplan. Technical coordination was carried out by local architects Ötelem. The scheme provides a diverse mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments across three distinct typologies designed to respond specifically to the topography and natural landscape of the site.
The architectural design strategically positions different housing types throughout the development to maximize both views and privacy. At the north of the site, row houses sit on the highest elevation, providing expansive views across the natural landscape. The park houses, located at the east and west portions of the site, define the boundary of the residential parkscape at the center. Meanwhile, the lake houses are positioned on the water that marks the southern edge of the site, offering direct waterfront access.
Embodying Coldefy's core philosophy that weaving together nature and architecture creates enhanced wellbeing and quality of life, every apartment features private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or outdoor terrace. The design emphasizes natural light and views outward to the surrounding lake and landscape, while minimizing direct views into neighboring buildings to ensure privacy for residents. Each building is designed to be location-specific, with stepped-back volumes that respond to the terrain and minimize the perceived density of the development.
Sustainability stands as a key priority for developer Atenor, with the scheme featuring an innovative open geothermal system, rainwater retention, and green roofs to ensure fossil fuel-free heating and cooling systems, reduced emissions, and long-term energy efficiency. Soil probes drilled to a depth of 150 meters function as a cyclical conduit for heat throughout the year. During winter, heat from the ground is delivered to the apartments through heat-emitting surfaces, while excess heat generated in summer is absorbed by the buildings and returned to the ground.
The landscaping design incorporates terraces, biodiversity corridors with local flowering plants to encourage pollination, and porous paving as key features. A large, playful shared seating area and additional colorful outdoor furniture throughout the development encourage residents to spend time outside. Within the masterplan, which preserves the natural character of the site and provides communal green spaces as well as pedestrian and cycle paths, the design aims to foster a sense of community through thoughtful transitions between public, semi-public, and private areas.
Coldefy and DDS's design introduces varied materials, building forms, and façade details to create visual interest across this large development. The project adopts a unified mineral cladding strategy, emphasizing material richness and harmony with the natural setting. The façades of the row and park houses feature varied tones of textured brick, creating visual warmth and a sense of grounded permanence. In contrast, the lake houses are clad in fiber cement panels, complemented by aluminum detailing and exposed concrete elements for a clean, contemporary finish.
Practical amenities enhance the living experience, with every apartment including its own additional storage unit in the basement, along with enclosed areas for shared bike and buggy parking. The range of apartment types and flexible layouts support evolving residential needs, offering a sustainable alternative to single-family housing while providing flexible homes to support changing work-life patterns.
Zoltán Neville, partner at Coldefy, emphasized the project's significance: "Housing is one of the most meaningful ways in which architecture engages with urban life. As cities face growing pressure to adapt, Lake 11 explores how housing can offer both density and spaciousness, connecting residents to nature and one another. Initiated during the COVID pandemic lockdowns, the project reconsiders the multifaceted role of the home – not just as a private space, but as part of a shared environment."
Upon completion, the Lake 11 Home & Park development will offer a total of 897 new homes, opening a new chapter of residential typologies in Budapest. The project presents a community within the city where residents can experience the benefits of the natural landscape while maintaining a short commute to the city center, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural design can balance urban density with quality of life.
