Simple, monolithic and frugal in form - this is how a house in Czeladz can be described in three words. The goal of architects from {tag:pracownie} was to create a building in the style of a minimalist and modern barn with a timeless character.
The Czeladz house is a two-story building in the style of a modern barn with a gabled roof and a separate outbuilding. The building is located on a square-shaped plot perpendicular to the street. The guiding idea of the project was to create a simple, monolithic and sparingly shaped body, but at the same time warm and impressive in appearance. The house gives the impression as if, each of its elements was carved into the solid, rather than added to it. The entrance is located in an arcade, and the balconies are cut-out loggias. Also, the terrace partially cuts into the body of the building, creating an arcade.
The facade of the building is clad in Siberian larch
Photo: Bartosz Makowski © be3 design studio
The functions of the house are divided into two zones - a living zone on the first floor (with a utility room located on the entrance side) and a night zone with rooms on the first floor and balconies. Both zones intermingle with each other through a bedroom open to the living room. From the north, the building is enclosed. On the other hand, from the south side it opens with a terrace to the garden, illuminating the spacious living zone, which has become the center of the house. The facade of the building is clad in Siberian larch, and the gabled roof is covered with seamed metal sheets. All gutters and downpipes were hidden in the facade to create a definite and minimalist form of the house.
The functions of the house are divided into two zones: first floor and first floor
© be3 design studio
The architects of be3 design studio received the main prize in the Young Creator category of the Architecture of the Year of the Silesian Voivodeship 2020 competition . The jury appreciated their intriguing in perception, attractive and fresh in implementation effect discourse of tradition and modernity, the imagination of the architect and the needs of the investor.
The house is a minimalist version of a modern barn
Photo: Bartosz Makowski © be3 design studio
Dobrawa Bies: What were the main design goals and what requirements did the investors set for you?
Krzysztof Stępień: At the first meeting we got to know the expectations of the future owners. The investors had an outline of the functional layout - their dream was for the house to have a large living area with an open kitchen, but one that is nevertheless withdrawn. A high space in the living room with a possibly visible roof structure (this idea was rejected later in the work). And standard upstairs rooms, bathroom and bedroom. As for the form of the building itself - barns, shown in the owners' inspirations were a bit more classic. The facade was to be made of wood from the beginning. We decided that we would interpret their expectations in our own way and design the form of the building in a more minimalist, modern way. During the design process, the form of the building changed minimally. The owners were very pleased with the result, and strived to have it made completely according to the design.
From the north, the building is closed
Photo: Bartosz Makowski © be3 design studio
Dobrawa: What materials were used and how did their choice affect the form of the building ?
Krzysztof: The building was erected using traditional technology - brick with reinforced concrete ceilings. The materials used did not affect its form. In a few places - details, we adjusted the technology so that the house was built according to the approved concept - hidden gutters and downpipes, large windows and arcades in the first floor of one height.
Dobrawa: What do you think the phenomenon of the barn house is based on?
Krzysztof: In our opinion, the phenomenon of this type of building is that in their form and simplicity they are usually timeless houses. They age well and can be warm in appearance.
The house gives the impression as if, each of its elements was carved into the block
Photo: Bartosz Makowski © be3 design studio
Dobrawa: What does the award in the Architecture of the Year 2020 competition mean to you?
Krzysztof: It is, first of all, an appreciation of our work, in which we try to design according to our beliefs and style. The award may also prove to be an opening of the way to new and interesting topics.
Dobrawa: Thank you for the interview!
