The green plot of land located on the shoreline of Lake Slesinski was an ideal place to create the summer house of dreams. However, the terrain posed quite a design challenge - the large slope, restrictive building lines and geotechnics of the land affected the body of the building. See how with this task, coped with architect Marcin Lewandowicz of {tag:pracownie}.
The 130-square-meter summer house was designed on a slope and conceals two independent apartments with terraces facing the lake.
The cottage was designed on a challenging plot of land with a sharp slope
© Ende marcin lewandowicz
The slope of the land reaching several meters, the building lines marking a narrow wedge of the building outline, the geotechnics of the land, and the numerous restrictive provisions from the local plan meant that the difficulty in meeting the investors' plans was enormous. The small house was designed over several months. We decided to use a steel frame clad with layers of wood cladding and thermal insulation, says Marcin Lewandowicz.
The cottage draws attention to the black color of the facade, which was obtained by tanning larch boards. Large glazings open up a view of the panorama of the surrounding forests and lake. Privacy for householders is provided by a wooden fence, hedges, insulating greenery and blinds on the windows. The architect wanted the building to be as ecological as possible - he envisaged the use of a heat pump, recuperation and photovoltaics.
Privacy is provided by a wooden fence and lots of greenery
© Ende marcin lewandowicz
Dobrawa Bies: Where did the idea for the recreational house come from? The form of the building is unusual, in addition to the limitations of the plot, what flowed into such a design decision?
Marcin Lewandowicz: With the investors, we wanted the cottage to fit well into the landscape, hence the natural materials and the least possible interference with the greenery on the plot. The overhanging of the first floor was a necessity due to the root system of the tree next to the building, the sloping roof is an adaptation to the provisions of the local plan, but we managed with this dynamic form to nicely cover the terrace on the first floor. In any case, the builder worked hard for his fee :)
the house is inscribed in the difficult geotechnics of the ground
© ende marcin lewandowicz
Dobrawa: What did the investor expect?
Marcin Lewandowicz: The investor's program was to build a summer house for two friendly families. Nevertheless, they do not exclude subletting the apartments during their absence. Hence, the premises had to have maximum guaranteed intimacy.
there are two independent apartments in the building
© Ende marcin lewandowicz
Dobrawa: What materials were used and how did their selection affect the entire project?
Marcin Lewandowicz: It was crucial to ensure, on the precarious ground of the slope, a stable foundation in the form of a grid of reinforced concrete foundations; a grid of steel sections was erected on such a foundation. The cladding and structure had to be lightweight so the choice of cladding materials was limited. Only wood and sheet metal offered this possibility. We limited the steel sheeting to the roofing in the form of a flat tile (RUUKKI HYYGGE) and the wood on the walls on the outside and inside is a friendly finish for both the environment and the aesthetics of the building embedded in the greenery.
The overhanging of the first floor was a necessity due to the root system of the tree next to the building
© Ende marcin lewandowicz
Dobrawa: Who was the cottage designed for? How should guests feel here?
Marcin Lewandowicz: I hope that the investors and guests of this house will have a cool, intimate indoor and outdoor space to relax in nature. Time will tell how often this house will be used on an annual basis. It is tailored for winter use, so I think it will be enjoyed by users all year round, especially since the area is secluded.
Dobrawa: Thank you for the interview.
