A Compact Modern Treehouse Designed for Adults in Hungarian Mountains

Nestled in the forested slopes of Hungary’s Dunabogdány village, a new mountain retreat has quietly emerged – offering a contemplative escape perched above the scenic Danube Bend. Dubbed the Console House, this secluded hideaway is the latest creation from Hello Wood, a studio known for its inventive use of timber and harmony with nature.

A modern house with large windows is lit from within at dusk, showing a person sitting at a table inside; the porch has chairs and is surrounded by trees.

Balancing gracefully on a hillside, the Console House seems to float above the forest floor. Elevated on narrow stilts, the home makes minimal impact on the ground below, preserving the landscape’s natural rhythm while allowing stormwater and wildlife to pass undisturbed. Its hidden position makes it a serene lookout over the valley’s rolling green terrain.

A modern cabin with a metal roof and large windows stands elevated on stilts among dense trees at dusk, with two people on the illuminated balcony.

The structure is both subtle and bold. A sweeping, cantilevered roof anchors the architectural identity of the house, giving it a dynamic profile that earned it its name. Beneath this dramatic overhang lies a massive, 291-square-foot covered terrace – which is almost as large as the interior – where indoor and outdoor living are blurred. Here, mornings begin with views of mist rising from the Danube, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass.

A small modern house with illuminated windows is surrounded by dense trees on a hillside at sunset, with other houses visible in the distance.

A modern black-roofed house sits on a forested hillside overlooking a valley with a river and a distant town under a clear sky.

Environmental sensitivity is embedded in every corner of the Console House. Hello Wood opted for advanced wood technologies, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated beams, to create a strong yet sustainable shell. The foundation avoids heavy concrete in favor of eco-friendly screw piles, reducing both the ecological footprint and the build time – which, impressively, took just over a day for the main frame.

A modern cabin with a metal roof and large windows stands on stilts among dense green trees on a hillside under a clear sky.

Modern black metal cabin with a covered balcony on stilts, surrounded by dense green trees and vegetation.

From afar, the Console House appears to hover between the branches, a modern treehouse for adults and kids alike. Yet up close, every angle and joint reveals the meticulous craftsmanship of the designers. It is a space designed not only for short weekends but year-round living in nature too – for anyone looking for a modern and mindful escape.

Modern black house on elevated stilts with a slanted roof, surrounded by trees; two people stand on the balcony overlooking a scenic landscape.

Equally compelling is the exterior finish. Charred using the ancient Japanese shou sugi ban method, the deep black cladding not only protects the wood but also enhances the home’s silhouette against the wooded backdrop. This rich, tactile facade continues uninterrupted beneath the home, unifying the design from top to bottom.

Modern elevated cabin with metal supports and a large balcony, situated on a sloped, wooded hillside. Several people stand on the balcony looking out over the landscape.

Wooden balcony with two chairs and a small table overlooks a scenic valley and river, surrounded by trees under a covered roof.

A modern room with wooden floors and large glass doors opens to a covered balcony with chairs, overlooking hills and a distant landscape.

Modern studio apartment with a compact kitchenette, dining table, brown sofa, mirror, and contemporary decor in neutral tones.

Inside, the modest 334-square-foot interior is a lesson in spatial efficiency. Cleverly arranged to accommodate a family of four, it offers all the essentials of modern living: a sitting area, compact kitchen, dining space, and a cozy sleeping nook, all beneath a vaulted ceiling. The interior design maintains a restrained palette, letting texture, material, and view be the standout features.

A modern living space with wooden walls, a brown sofa, a green rug, a black ladder, a dining table with two chairs, and a kitchenette under soft lighting.

A person climbs a black ladder to a round opening above a modern kitchen and dining area with light wood walls and dark accents.

A small, modern bedroom with light wood walls, a bed, a green rug, and a black ladder leading to a loft next to a kitchenette.

Small modern bedroom with light wood walls, a bed, sliding glass door to a balcony, black metal ladder to a loft, and a dining table with chairs in the foreground.

A neatly made bed with textured blankets sits beside a small nightstand holding a vase of flowers and a lamp, bathed in warm sunlight.

Modern living space with light wood walls, a brown sofa, a green rug, a small dining table with chairs, and a black ladder leading to a loft. A pendant light hangs from the ceiling.

Modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, black fixtures, wall-mounted toilet, vessel sink, and large window letting in natural light.

Modern bathroom with light wood walls, a white rectangular sink, green soap dispensers, green candles, and a folded green towel on a speckled countertop.

A modern house with a large balcony on stilts is illuminated at dusk; two people stand on the balcony overlooking a scenic landscape.

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For more information on Console House, visit hellowood.eu.

Photography and Video by György Palkó.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.