Architects from the Calca studio in Poznań have designed a minimalist, modern single-family home for a car enthusiast. The bright block inspired by a matchbox is designed to accommodate as many as three garages.
The two, interpenetrating simple blocks are arranged perpendicular to each other. The lower one, housing the garages, is windowless from the front - the front door is centrally located in the elevation, and garage doors are hidden on both sides. The elevation from the tract in the lower part is almost entirely glazed. The upper block is extended beyond the outline of the lower one, and the overhang is supported by dark, irregularly spaced steel columns contrasting with the white facade of the house.
facades of the house
© calca - architecture for business
Ola Kloc: What was the priority for the investor?
Marcin Piątek: Organizing space for the family and his great passion for cars.
Ola: What was the biggest challenge in this project, and what are you most satisfied with?
Marcin: The design challenge was to place the compositionally "heavy" mass of the first floor over the "light" and transparent glazing of the living room, and to find a balance between the space reserved for family life and for cars.
first floor and 1st floor plan
© calca - architecture for business
Ola: The upper floor is supported by irregularly spaced columns contrasting with the color of the block. What was the inspiration for such a solution?
Marcin: The irregular "forest" of columns supporting the first floor is intended to cut off compositionally and color-wise from the minimalist body of the main building. The inspiration came from nature, which creates in an irregular way, as opposed to man, who seeks regularity in living space. Cutting off the forest of columns emphasizes the contrast between the building's elements and makes the mass appear to float, while providing support for the overhang.
