Júlia

Diósd, Hungary

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Other Projects by Equinox

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Sustainable weekend-house at the Danube

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Emília

Júlia

Diósd, Hungary

Firm

Equinox

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2022

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

Photos

Balazs Danyi (20)

The Júlia duplex is an award-winning project, recognized with the House of the Year 2023 and Prefa
Architecture Prize 2023 Special Awards, as well as the HuGBC Zero Carbon Award 2025, marking it as
Hungary’s first planned net-zero carbon residential building.

Inspirations and key concepts
The Júlia duplex, developed and designed by Equinox in Diósd, Budapest’s green suburban belt, was inspired by the local
climate and the aspiration to create comfortable, healthy, and sustainable living spaces. The Z-shaped building form was
developed to provide each resident with a private courtyard, bright interiors, and strong visual and physical connections to
nature. Guided by principles of wellbeing, biophilic design, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics, the project integrates
advanced computational simulations to optimise spatial performance—maximising daylight, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring high comfort standards. Passive design strategies, including natural ventilation, solar orientation, thermal mass, and daylight optimisation, further minimise energy demand at the source while enhancing indoor comfort and resilience.

Difficulties and first setbacks
As one of the first CLT-based duplexes on the Hungarian market, Júlia faced the challenge of introducing a new construction
system to a local industry still dominated by conventional brick and concrete. Early setbacks included the sourcing and logistics of high-quality timber products, as well as finding contractors familiar with precision timber construction. However, these challenges were integral to setting a new benchmark for sustainable architecture in Hungary.

Construction techniques and principal materials
Júlia was realized almost entirely through dry construction, with cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary structural
material. Timber was also used for façade cladding, window frames, flooring, and built-in furniture — all sourced from
sustainably managed forests. Cellulose insulation was chosen as the main thermal envelope, containing 75–85% recycled paper fiber and significantly reducing embodied carbon. Compared to conventional insulation, it delivered an 8 tCO₂e saving and increased stored biogenic carbon. Additional technologies include PV panels, air-water heat pumps, EV charging, external shading with smart sensors, and optional rain- and groundwater reuse.

Spatial configuration and how it was achieved
Each of the two duplex units (140 m², 2 stories) is configured as a complete home: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen-living-dining area with ample storage. All rooms open directly to outdoor spaces — terraces, gardens, or balconies — reinforcing biophilic connections. The orientation and spatial layout balance daylight access with protection against overheating, ensuring high levels of thermal, acoustic and visual comfort. Natural ventilation, VOC-free finishes, and timber’s inherent moisture-regulating properties further enhance indoor air quality.