The Nadbuzanski Landscape Park is an ideal place for vacation and relaxation. It is there, on the Liwiec River, that architect Sebastian Marach of the YONO architecture studio, together with Jędrzej Pawlaczyk, designed a small summer house raised above the plot, so as not to disturb the nature protected by the Natura 2000 program.
The summer house consists of two blocks and large glazed areas
© Sebastian Marach, Jędrzej Pawlaczyk
The premise of the project was that the summerhouse should only be an addition to the surrounding nature, a place where one can calm down while watching the river flowing nearby. The building, erected using frame technology, consists of two geometric blocks functionally connected to each other. The lower one was covered with a green roof by the architects. They also decided that the facade on the entrance side would be closed, while they fully opened it towards the river. The mono-pitched roof allowed them to place a bedroom in the attic. A distinctive feature of the house is the glazing, capped on both sides with a piece of stainless steel sheeting. Meanwhile, the terrace rising above the grounds is an extension of the living area. In addition to its aesthetic function, the glazing reflects light like a sheet of water, blurring the boundary between the interior and the surrounding nature.
In the attic, under the sloping roof, there is a bedroom
© Sebastian Marach, Jędrzej Pawlaczyk
Dobrawa Bies: Where did the idea for the summer house come from? The form of the building is not typical, what influenced such a design decision?
Sebastian Marach: In short, the investor wanted to create a place that would give an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. A place where one can calm down with the view of a meandering river. The form of the building resulted from the main assumptions of the project, namely the creation of a panoramic space with partial use of the attic space. The search for geometric and simple solids resulted in an effect that is panoramic and vertical at the same time.
Dobrawa: What was the investor's expectation?
Sebastian Marach: The investor expected an unconventional design using natural materials, which would only be an addition to the surrounding nature. Hence, among other things, the joint decision to elevate the building above the site, which is protected by the Natura 2000 program.
The project also includes a green roof and a terrace that is an extension of the living area
© Sebastian Marach, Jędrzej Pawlaczyk
Dobrawa:What materials were used and how did their selection affect the entire project?
Sebastian Marach: As I mentioned earlier, one of the wishes of the investor was to use natural materials as much as possible. And so - the elevations were covered with wooden boards, the interiors were designed as finished with natural plasters, and the whole project was designed with frame technology. The lower block was covered with a green roof with overgrown vegetation. This allows the building to blend in with the existing surroundings.
Large glazings allow observation of nature
© Sebastian Marach, Jędrzej Pawlaczyk
Dobrawa: For whom was the cottage designed? How should guests feel here?
Sebastian Marach: The building was designed for a private individual, but with the possibility of periodic rental. Guests are supposed to relax while observing nature. Among other things, this is to be helped by a terrace, which is an extension of the living area. Elevated above the grounds, like the building, it combines many elements - a relaxation area, a ball pit or an alcove with a stretched net have been incorporated into its outline.
Dobrawa: Thank you for the interview.
Dobrawa Bies
