House for Simple Stay in Litija, Slovenia

As people move into later stages of life, priorities and daily needs naturally shift. Energy, time and patience for intensive home upkeep often decline, and many choose to simplify living to focus on family, relaxation and well-being. Responding to that change, architects Meta Kutin Arhitekta and Skupaj Arhitekti designed the House for Simple Stay in Litija, Slovenia for a couple who sold their larger residence to embrace a quieter, low-maintenance lifestyle.

Single-level accessible house exterior — House built for simple and pleasant living with a single level design plan for elderly couple

The home is a single-level residence deliberately configured to meet the needs of aging occupants. Every room allows for wheelchair access, making the plan practical, safe and comfortable for everyday life. The living area, kitchen and dining room are oriented to capture sweeping hill views, integrating the landscape into daily routines and bathing interiors in natural light. Large windows and sliding glass doors strengthen the indoor–outdoor connection and extend the living space onto a modest deck that overlooks the surrounding scenery.

Living room with brown couch — Large brown couch is the only decor item that ushers in color

Construction uses a prefabricated timber frame with thoughtful, low-maintenance finishes. This approach reduces both initial build costs and ongoing upkeep, which is essential for homeowners who want a comfortable, long-lasting environment without constant repairs. The interior palette—warm wood complemented by white surfaces—creates a calm, modern aesthetic that feels both familiar and refined. Furnishings are slim and custom-made to suit the single-level plan, maximizing circulation and minimizing clutter while keeping a human scale throughout the home. [Photography: Miran Kambič]

Small deck with simple outdoor decor — Simple outdoor decor for the small deck with hill views

Sliding glass doors open the living space onto the deck, creating a seamless transition that brings fresh air, seasonal light and views into everyday life. The small deck is carefully proportioned to feel like a true extension of the interior rather than an afterthought, offering a quiet place to sit, enjoy the landscape and entertain in comfortable, accessible surroundings.

Sliding doors to the deck — Sliding glass doors connect the living area with the deck outside

One distinctive element preserved from the site’s past is a former pizza oven. The owners requested that it remain part of the new home, so the design incorporates a visible concrete structure that honors the memory of past gatherings. This sculptural element anchors the home emotionally, creating continuity between the family’s past and the new living environment.

To the east, a former pizza oven was located, which the owner built and used years ago and insisted on its preservation and inclusion in the new design. The newly built, visible concrete structure with its monumentality gives the vertical sculptural center of gravity a relatively horizontal design, while all the memories of the gatherings at the former oven are preserved and passed on to new generations.

Slim wooden furniture — Slim, custom wooden furniture for the living area

The property’s surroundings—lush green hills and open landscape—play a significant role in the design. Views are framed by the home’s openings so that the landscape becomes part of the interior composition. Natural light and greenery contribute to a cheerful atmosphere, supporting well-being and a close connection to nature.

Green landscape around the house — Gorgeous green landscape around the house brings the interior a cheerful appeal

Interior with white and wood color scheme — White and wood color scheme inside the modern home with smart design

Wood and white kitchen and dining area — Wood and white kitchen and dining space with plenty of natural light

The result is a practical, elegant home tailored for accessible living: a single-level layout that removes barriers, a restrained material palette that simplifies maintenance, and an intentional relationship with the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful details—wide circulation routes, generous glazing, simple yet refined finishes and preserved elements of personal history—create a welcoming environment that supports comfort, dignity and ongoing enjoyment for its residents.