Some houses begin to tell their story even before they are built. Monolith Lodge, set in Dobogókő—a popular destination near Pilisszentkereszt in Hungary—is one of them. Designed by Pyxis Nautica, the project waited patiently for years before taking shape. With the involvement of the Hello Wood team, it eventually emerged as a calm yet confident architectural presence, settled deep within the forest.

FROM CONCEPT TO COLLABORATION 

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The story begins with a concept plan that captured the client’s attention. Dobogókő’s natural character, paired with Pyxis Nautica’s architectural approach, laid the groundwork for a house that feels both contemporary and closely attuned to its surroundings. The client’s vision, the architectural design, and Hello Wood’s design-and-build experience come together in a shared narrative.

At this stage, Hello Wood joined the project as a design-driven contractor, further refining the concept through close collaboration. Beyond construction, the team worked hand in hand with the designers to ensure that every detail resonated with the spirit of the site and aligned with the character of Hello Wood Resorts.

STRUCTURE, SPACE, AND RHYTHM 

With approximately 105 square metres of heated interior space, the house is expanded by a 16-square-metre gallery. Covered and open terraces wrap around the building, creating a direct and fluid connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

The structure is built on a reinforced concrete foundation, while the walls and roof are formed from five-layer, exposed-quality CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels. Combined with a standing-seam metal roof, the use of CLT technology allowed the main structure to be assembled in just three days, with the entire project completed within six months.

THE MONOLITH

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The name Monolith Lodge comes from the project’s most defining architectural gesture: a monolithic concrete chimney. More than a functional element, it stands as the visual and conceptual core of the house. Its rough, board-formed surface echoes throughout the building, establishing a quiet continuity between concrete, timber, and nature. Charred wood cladding, exposed concrete surfaces, and large openings towards the landscape balance a sense of solidity with openness. The resulting atmosphere feels strong yet calm—contemporary in its language, timeless in its presence.

A PLACE TO RETURN TO 

Revived from an idea once set aside, Monolith Lodge now exists as a contemporary retreat in the heart of the forest. Pyxis Nautica’s plans, realised by Hello Wood and operated under Hello Wood Resorts, transform a vision into a home, a home into an experience, and an experience into a place that quietly invites return.