The architects at {tag:pracownie} like to design surrounded by nature and with reference to regional architecture. This time, they created the Panoramic House on a spacious, landscaped plot overlooking the Karkonosze range. Through the use of natural materials and traditional form, the horizontal building fits into the neighborhood of rural farms.
On a plot surrounded by forest, the architects proposed two structures: a horizontal house and an outbuilding. The residential building was placed in the central part of the plot, thus dividing the area into an "organized" zone with an orchard, vegetable garden and outbuilding in the northern part, and a zone of natural flower meadow in the south. Shaping the development, the architects took advantage of the existing relief of the land, placing the Panoramic House in the fault of the plot. In this way they achieved the effect of overhanging the building above the meadow, as well as providing privacy for users.
The Panoramic House was placed in the fault of the plot
© exexe
reference to the traditions of the region
The horizontal body of the house, together with the wide glazing on the south side, makes it possible to observe the mountain panorama, practically from every room. The contemporary form of the designed buildings has its reference to regional architecture. The rectangular plan and symmetrical gabled roof, refer to the urban layouts of local farms. The use of natural materials and motifs such as boarded gable elevations, concrete foundation, and slate roofing, inscribe the buildings in the character of local development. The structure of the residential building was created by the architects on the basis of a collage of three materials - an architectural concrete foundation, transitioning in places to solid first floor walls, between which glass infill and concrete partition walls were used. The whole is complemented by attached gable elevations, covered with Shou Sugi Ban-fired wood decking, forming a unified color element with the roof.
The rectangular plan and symmetrical gabled roof, allude to the urban layout of local farms
© exexe
Dobrawa Bies: What were the assumptions and design inspirations?
exexe: There were many assumptions, mainly functional guidelines. The house is not a traditional single-family building and more of an investor's apartment with two rooms for rent. It will be able to be rented out in whole or in part. The investor wanted a one-story building, while the local plan dictated a two-story building. These are all minor details, with the magnificent view that stretches from the plot, which should have been taken advantage of.
The house is an apartment that will be available for rent
© exexe
Dobrawa: What materials were used and how will their choice affect the form of the building?
exexe: The starting point was the investor's guideline for the use of concrete and the local plan's stipulation to design formwork on the gable elevations. These are durable materials that fit perfectly into the context of local architecture. In addition, the will of the owner was to provide a sense of security by elevating the building above the terrain, which significantly affected its form and location on the plot. The gabled, symmetrical roof is again a requirement of the MPZP and a nod to traditional buildings.
The dark elements of the facade made of tan wood combine with the slate roofing
© exexe
Dobrawa: What do you think the phenomenon of the barn house is based on?
exexe: The idea of the modern barn is a good, currently popular alternative to typical single-family houses - catalogers that often litter the landscape. Its charm lies in its simplicity, good proportions and detail. In fact, it is a very broad concept, and when designing in Polish realities, when local plans most often impose a sloping roof, it is easy to fall into the bag of so-called barns. Our goal is always to escape from the cliché and look for an individual character for each building we design.
Dobrawa: Thank you for the interview!
