On a slope above the lake itself, surrounded by holiday homes, a house was built with a horizontal, cascading body. Without forgetting balanced proportions and simplicity, the architects from EV Architects gave the building a raw-ascetic look.
The house was built on a rectangular plan around a centrally located atrium with a garden that opens toward the lake. In order not to disturb the existing low-rise architecture, the building on the road side is single-story and partially sunk into the ground, while on the lake side the architects designed a two-story façade. The façade in the middle of the elevation is divided by a fault, and the structure, monumental at first glance, fits harmoniously into the surrounding nature. The cascading body is surrounded by terraces and large glazings connecting the interior of the house with the exterior.
The cascading body is surrounded by terraces and large glazings
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
Theliving and bedroomareas are designed on the first floor, so residents can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake. The glazed interior patio can be admired from any part of the house. The left side of the building is the living area with a kitchen open to the living room. The right side of the house is the sleeping area with three bedrooms - each with a private bathroom and dressing room. A children's bathroom has also been placed in this part. The house has been designed so that the family living there, can enjoy a number of features including a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, fitness area. The architects also created a relaxation room and designed vegetable gardens, fragrant gardens, yoga and meditation areas.
The living and sleeping areas were designed on the first floor
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
An important aspect was to set the building in the context of its surroundings by using local materials - stone, concrete - for the construction, working with local contractors and fitting into the surrounding landscape. Therefore, the house has some characteristics of a neo-modernist style with minimalist aesthetics and simplicity of massing, while providing favorable living conditions," explains Ewelina Jankowska.
The centrally located atrium faces the lake
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
The house and its furnishings are part of the sustainable development trend, and the modern technologies used reduce the cost of using the building, making it environmentally friendly.
The house on the side of the road is partially sunk into the ground
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
Dobrawa Bies: The lake house has a distinctive body compared to single-family houses. Was it easy to convince investors of such a design?
Ewelina Jankowska: The investors knew that the plot was very demanding, but at the same time imposing, in a sense, the form of the building. The proximity to the lake shore was both an asset and a challenge. For me, it was completely natural that the house would be horizontal and that we would design it towards a simple, minimalist form. The investors had great confidence in us and agreed to our proposal.
Dobrawa: What requirements did the investors set for you?
Ewelina Jankowska: The investors outlined a specific and very broad functional program for the "dream house". We did not accommodate all functions, but to a large extent their expectations were met.
The priority was to maintain the simplicity of the block
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
Dobrawa: What was your priority in this project? What was the inspiration?
Ewelina Jankowska: For me, the priority was to maintain the simplicity of the solid, the razor blade detail, the large glazing that opens the house to nature, greenery and water. In addition to fitting in with the surroundings, the design was also intended to provide residents with direct contact with nature and intimacy at the same time.
Large glazing provides a beautiful view
Photo: Przemyslaw Turlej © EV Architects
Dobrawa: Please tell us about the solutions and materials used. What caused you the most difficulties, and what are you proud of?
Ewelina Jankowska: The biggest difficulty was making the foundations. The house is located in the immediate vicinity of the lake and the high groundwater level posed a challenge. We are proud of the project and its successful implementation, which practically does not deviate from the design. The concrete, woodwork and every detail both inside and out are beautifully done. The house fits naturally into the landscape - we are also very pleased with this. The use of large glazing on the lake side allowed for openness and a great view of the water. We managed to take advantage of the most important asset of the plot in the project - it is, after all, a "lake house".
Dobrawa: Thank you for the interview.
