French architecture studio Coldefy, in collaboration with Budapest-based Demeter Design Studió (DDS), has completed the first phase of housing at Lake 11 Home & Park, a new lakeside neighbourhood on the edge of Budapest’s 11th district. Situated in Újbuda on the city’s south-western fringe, where former industrial land is being transformed into a green, mixed-use environment, the development reflects a commitment to nature, community, and low-carbon urban living.
Context and masterplan
Coldefy and DDS were selected through a competitive process to design 175 homes across three lots (III, VII, and VIII) within an eight-hectare masterplan. Technical coordination was undertaken by local architects Ötelem. The scheme includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments across three typologies that respond sensitively to the site’s topography and landscape.
At the northern edge, row houses occupy the site’s highest elevation, offering expansive views across the surrounding natural terrain. Park houses at the eastern and western boundaries frame the central residential parkland, while lake houses are positioned along the southern edge, directly on the water. Together, these typologies offer a range of apartment sizes and flexible layouts designed to adapt to evolving residential needs and changing patterns of work and life.
Living with nature
Reflecting Coldefy’s ethos that the amalgamation of nature and architecture enhances well-being and quality of life, each apartment includes a private balcony or terrace. The design prioritises natural light, open views, and privacy, minimising direct sightlines between neighbouring buildings. Stepped-back volumes follow the contours of the land, softening the overall density and creating a sense of openness throughout.
The design embraces principles of adaptability and long-term resilience, allowing homes and shared spaces to evolve with changing lifestyles. Apartments feature flexible layouts and service zones that can be reconfigured or combined, while kitchens and wet rooms are designed for easy modification. Ground-floor connectors can accommodate shifting community uses such as cafes, co-working areas, or small shops, and provisions are made for resident-driven upgrades. Shared bike and buggy parking at building entrances encourages sustainable mobility, while native planting and durable materials ensure longevity with minimal maintenance — reinforcing a circular approach that supports both environmental and social adaptability over time.
Low-carbon systems and landscape
Sustainability is a key priority for developer Atenor: Lake 11 features an innovative open geothermal system, rainwater retention, and green roofs, ensuring fossil fuel-free heating and cooling, reduced emissions, and long-term energy efficiency. Soil probes reaching depths of 150 metres serve as a cyclical conduit for heat: in winter, warmth from the ground is delivered through heat-emitting surfaces, while in summer, excess heat from the buildings is returned to the earth.
Landscaping is integral to the project’s environmental strategy and community life. Biodiversity corridors planted with local flowering species encourage pollination, while terraces, porous paving, and shared outdoor spaces invite residents to spend time outside. Outdoor furniture and a generous communal seating area contribute to a lively, sociable atmosphere. Within a masterplan that preserves much of the site’s natural character, the design introduces pedestrian and cycle paths, while thoughtful transitions between public, semi-public, and private spaces aim to foster a strong sense of community.
Material expression and identity
Coldefy and DDS bring variation to the architecture through distinct materials, building forms, and facade treatments that break down the scale of the development and give each volume a distinct identity. A unified mineral cladding strategy ensures harmony with the natural surroundings while offering material richness and visual warmth. The row and park houses are clad in textured brick in varied tones, while the lake houses feature fibre cement panels complemented by aluminium detailing and exposed concrete elements for a clean, contemporary finish.
A balanced model for urban living
Upon completion, the Lake 11 Home & Park development will comprise a total of 897 homes, introducing new residential typologies to Budapest. It offers a model for community living that balances architectural quality, sustainability, and connection with nature, all within a short commute of the city centre.
“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,” says Zoltán Neville, partner at Coldefy. “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. Shaped through close collaboration between international and local teams, the design aims to balance innovation, liveability, and environmental responsibility.”
