HOUSE IN PODKOWA LEŚNA

The house’s massing consists of two uniform volumes. Following this concept, the layout is functionally divided into a daytime volume—comprising the living room, dining area, kitchen, pantry, and study—and a nighttime volume, which houses two bedrooms, bathrooms, a walk-in closet, a utility room, and a garage. To accommodate the clients’ functional brief, the nighttime volume had to be elongated, yet it maintains an identical architectural expression to the daytime volume

The presence of numerous trees on the site dictated the rotation of the nighttime volume, allowing the building to seamlessly adapt to the site conditions while minimizing tree clearance. The two simple volumes are joined by a link that serves as the main entrance zone. A similar element complementing both the massing and the functional layout is a terrace with a retractable roof, situated adjacent to the living room. The nighttime volume features two architectural recesses, distinguished from the rest of the building by a contrasting facade material. The front recess highlights the entry sequence and provides a built-in overhang, while the garden-side recess carves out space for a terrace with a similarly integrated canopy.

From the approach, the building presents a closed, monolithic form, whereas the rear opens up to the lush garden through expansive glazing. To seamlessly integrate the structure into the site’s natural character, the facades are clad in vertical dark timber, establishing a direct visual dialogue with the surrounding trees. Dark fiber-cement panels serve as a secondary material, applied to the elements complementing the main functional program, namely the entry link and the terrace. To preserve the minimalist aesthetic while remaining mindful of the inherent qualities of wood, trapezoidal sheet metal was selected for the roof. Its profile spacing and color were carefully chosen to echo the rhythm of the wooden cladding. The overall composition operates in perfect harmony with its setting; the natural material palette effortlessly blends into the local context, ensuring that despite the extensive glazing, a profound sense of privacy is maintained.