In Budapest’s prestigious Buda Hills district, the SKYLINE apartment by B Place studio - curated by Valentine Dorofeev - redefines what it means to live with both comfort and character. Designed for a family of five, the 310-square-metre residence (218 sq.m. interior and 92 sq.m. of terraces) is a testament to thoughtful architecture, emotional connection, and design precision.
This is not the studio’s first collaboration with the clients, and that shared history shaped the seamless creative process. Visuals were approved from the outset, allowing the designers to focus on crafting a deeply personal, highly functional space over the two-year project.
The home’s standout feature is its panoramic view: expansive windows and three future-ready terraces overlook the historic heart of Budapest. These outdoor spaces - still to be completed this summer - are designed to become lush urban retreats, effortlessly extending the living space beyond the apartment walls.
Inside, a clever layout mirrors the irregular architecture of the building. Instead of being hindered by its unique shape, the design embraces it. Guests enter into a large, open-plan living area that flows naturally into the terraces. A central corridor leads to the private family quarters, including bedrooms, wardrobes, and bathrooms - each space calm and curated.
The living room anchors the design with a generous B&B Italia sofa, positioned beneath a modest 2.75-meter ceiling. To elevate the sense of space, the design team introduced vertical mirrored bronze panels and full-height doors, visually stretching the room upwards.
The kitchen-living area showcases one of the project’s boldest features: an island in Patagonia quartzite. The slab, custom-cut to 4 centimeters and hand-chipped for an organic edge, is a work of art in itself. Above it, a sculptural Henge lamp adds drama, while the decision to omit upper kitchen cabinets - except for an aged brass hood and small units above the sink - keeps the room feeling expansive.
Colour and material choices are intimate and intentional. Deep blue, the client’s favourite hue, is layered throughout, softened by warm ochre tones and grounded in natural materials. Lighting plays a central role in shaping atmosphere, with scenarios ranging from functional brightness to soft, hidden backlighting that lends an almost cinematic mood.
SKYLINE is more than a family home. It’s a conversation between structure and soul, heritage and modernity - a balanced, beautifully executed expression of what it means to live well.
