What if you could disappear for a while and just read, read and read? These dreams are easy to fulfill, since Bartlomiej Kraciuk and Marta Puchalska-Kraciukcame up with the idea of a bookworm's cottage, appreciating comfort, tea and the splendor of nature outside the window. There's no shortage of that here, because even though Bookworm Cabin is located not far from Warsaw, the cottage's giant window overlooks fields and forests. Nothing but to read, read and read!
If you love books, immersing yourself in a story and losing track of time as the story transports you to Middle-earth, Alaska or Sandomierz, you are sure to have related dreams as well. How wonderful it would be if you could lock yourself in a wooden cabin in the woods with a comfortable armchair, a mug of hot tea or chocolate and a reading in hand. If, on top of that, it would be raining or snowing... Another enticing vision is lounging in a hammock in the middle of summer, with the knowledge that there is a bookcase filled to the brim with books in the cottage at your fingertips.
Bartlomiej Kraciuk and Marta Puchalska-Kraciukalso had such dreams. Thus was born Bookworm Cabin in Adelin, a village near the capital. In cooperation with POLE Architekci they managed to create a place that every bookworm fantasizes about - Baba Yaga's house.
Basia Hyjek: How did your adventure begin?
Bartholomew Kraciuk: It started with an abandoned, undeveloped plot of land in the woods with a picturesque view. We wondered how to capture this view so that it could be enjoyed in peace and for as long as possible. A long creative process led us to a clear answer: a house with a big window, a comfortable armchair and lots of books should be placed on the plot.
Bookworm Cabin
Photo by Piotr Bednarski
Basia: What were the most difficult moments? Did you search for this place for a long time?
Bartholomew: The conceptual work took quite a long time. We wanted the idea to be 100% coherent. Detailed refinement of the entire project allowed for smooth implementation. Now we are facing a new challenge - how to create more such places, so that each of them is equally attractive.
Basia: Where did you get the idea for the shape of the house and for it to be lockable?
Bartholomew: The shape of the house is the work of a friendly studio POLE Architects. It was they who designed the body and erected the prototype cottage in the Polish mountains, which was intended to be duplicated. We knew that the key principles of this house perfectly fit the needs of Bookworm Cabin. My wife Marta, a day-to-day co-founder of Moszczyńska-Puchalska Studio of Architecture, refined and tailored the interior to our needs, and I took on all the implementation and marketing. Large shutters that close off access to the house completely allow it to blend in with its surroundings when closed, while increasing security.
Photo by Piotr Bednarski
Basia: What was particularly important to you in creating this place?
Bartholomew: In creating this site, as well as the others we are currently working on, it was particularly important to preserve the natural wild vegetation and act with respect for the local ecosystem. A typical house construction in Poland, unfortunately, starts with clearing the plot to zero. For us, every bush and every patch of moss was important. As a result, the house stands in a beautiful, unique environment, which is naturally better protected from the elements, and in addition provides a sanctuary for endemic flora and fauna. From the perspective of today's crisis, we are even more confirmed that this was the right decision.
