Project of neutral house climatically with tradition

Meeting the assumptions of climate neutrality, the proposed house plan is characterized by compactness, high flexibility and adaptability of space, as well as strict modularity of construction that gives the possibility of prefabrication.

The main idea shaping the architectural expression of the house is the use of a single-layer structural-insulation wall independent of the decorative wall made of wood laths. This gives freedom to adapt the architectural expression of the house not only to the traditions of the Kurpie region but the context of the specific location and the preferences of its future occupants. In order to reduce the built-in carbon footprint for the erection of the building, the use of thermal insulation materials, including environmentally harmful synthetic coatings, was completely abandoned.

The outer layer of the facade is designed from dip-oiled ashlar slats, anchored to the structural-insulation wall, and the facade is laid out on the basis of a 240x240cm square module. Elements of the facade are planned to be made based on carpentry joints, referring to the building traditions of the Kurpie region.

The design of an atmospherically neutral house inspired by the traditional architecture of the Mazovia region

The house, with a net area of 143.4 m2, is laid out on two floors, providing rooms for a family of 4, ensuring the possibility of adapting the garage space for additional living or service purposes.

The plan of the house is a development of the single-island cottage plan, which is the highest level of development in the Kurpie cottage. In place of the four-divided division of the building into a hallway, chamber, alcove, chamber and accompanying stables, a vestibule, living room, kitchen with dining room, technical room and garage are proposed respectively. A block of vertical communication leading to the usable attic is provided in the central part of the house, which traditionally housed a central fire system. The first floor provides for three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an auxiliary room and a work annex.

Design of an atmospherically neutral house inspired by the traditional architecture of the Mazovia region

A centrally located block of stairs zones the first floor space into an entrance area - vestibule, technical zone, living area and kitchen. From the garage, through the technical zone, we get to the vestibule to which the main entrance door also leads. From the vestibule we can go to the first floor, to the living room, kitchen and dining room, using a perimeter communication system. The kitchen is coupled with a view of the garden and the entrance area, facilitating access control. From the kitchen and dining room, direct access to the terrace is provided, with a vegetable garden nearby. The living area opens to the south and west, to the space of the recreational garden and fruit orchard. The design intention is to functionally and scenically couple the landscape with the living zone of the house.

The design of an atmospherically neutral house, inspired by the traditional architecture of the Mazovia region

The location of the building on the plot develops traditional solutions known from Kurpie habitats. The building is situated with its gable to the road, with the entrance gate located a short distance from the building. A flower garden is planned for the front of the house, a vegetable garden for the south, and a fruit orchard for the west. The main entrance to the building is projected from its longer facade on the north side. From the point of view of using passive energy gains, the location of the building on the longer side parallel to the east-west line is important, giving the possibility to build a photovoltaic installation on the southern slope of the roof.

The design of an atmospherically neutral house, inspired by the traditional architecture of the Mazovia region

Thanks to the use of external partitions with high thermal inertia and high thermal insulation, it is possible to maintain stable thermal conditions in the house without installing a solid fuel boiler. As part of the land development, only a water and sewage and electricity connection is planned. The only source of heating in the house is an air heat pump fueled by a photovoltaic installation. It is planned to build a 10.80 kWp installation, which will fully cover the house's electricity needs, including heating and electric vehicle charging, which will significantly reduce the building's operational carbon footprint.