Natural materials, colors, play of light and interpretation of traditional buildings of Wielkopolska villages—this is how the new single-family house designed by trabendo studio can be described in a nutshell. Consisting of four compact blocks, the building built on the edge of the forest is a meeting place for a multi-generational family.
The subdued facade is formed by wooden planks and hand-formed brick
Photo: PHOTOGRAPHY © trabendo.
The house in Sierakow is made up of four blocks, each with a different function. The first, visible from the front, is the „guest house,” the second—an openwork one—is the entrance area with recreational space, and the third—the living area of the householders. The fourth, hidden at the edge of the forest, perpendicular arranged to the others is a private zone with a master bedroom and a view of the surroundings. On all elevations, the architects juxtaposed motifs of fullness and emptiness, playing with transparency and light inflow.
House in Sierakow, spatial scheme
© trabendo.
interview with Lukasz Nowak
Dobrawa Bies: Viewed from afar, the house resembles a small settlement—what was your inspiration for the design work?
LukaszNowak: In design work, spatial logic and moderation are most important to us. The house was built in a unique place, and its form follows the function directly—it is a house that is a meeting place for a multigenerational family. The object, thanks to the colors and materials used, blends into the wall of the forest on the edge of which it was built.
the house was built on a plot of land under the forest
Photo: PHOTOGRAPHY © trabendo.
Dobrawa: What requirements did the investors approach you with?
Lukasz Nowak: The house, as I already mentioned, was to be a place for family gatherings. It was to be single-story, open and accessible. At the same time, we wanted it to be characterized by spatial logic with a clear separation of zones—intended for spending time together and recreation, as opposed to those providing privacy, both for householders and visiting family members and guests.
The house is formed by compact blocks with gabled roofs
Photo credit: PHOTOGRAPHY © trabendo.
Dobrawa: The building, as we have already mentioned, consists of four solids covered by symmetrical gabled roofs, where did such a design decision come from? Please tell us about the materials used.
Lukasz Nowak: The house draws on its location—opening up to the surrounding space. The natural colors and textures of the materials used here harmonize with the landscape. The facade of the building is made of hand-formed brick and natural wood. The use of a play of openwork, glazing and solid planes in the facade differentiates the ability to see, and the flow of natural light into the various interior zones.
differentiated facade
Photo: PHOTOGRAPHY © trabendo.
Brick was used to cover the facade of the block housing the spacious living area—the meeting place. Wood was used to finish the elevation of the block housing the private zone of the householders, as well as the block of the guest area. The layout of the blocks created an internal patio behind the sliding part of the front elevation, covered by a glass roof.
The house in Sieraków blends in with its surroundings
Photo credit: PHOTOGRAPHY © trabendo.
The house is also embedded in the context of the neighboring buildings—formerly characteristic of the small village. The spatial assumption composed of several blocks refers to the surrounding buildings by its scale. Assigning individual functions to separate blocks, combined into one house, made it possible to obtain a living space that meets modern standards, while maintaining the scale of local architecture.
