The design of THE ONE house was created in the studio of REFORM Architect Marcin Tomaszewski. The black house is elegant and modern. The simple, modernist block was decorated with art, and the whole was sunk in one colour.
Although its form appears rather classic at first glance, the architect explicitly admits that it is not a house for everyone. The volume is made up of elements that resemble blocks put together. Each of them forms a separate element, not blending in with the others. The monochromatic front is made of a single material (alucobond), which made it possible to avoid horizontal divisions, with vertical lines directing the observer’s gaze upwards, emphasising the monumentality of the building. It may have been a risky decision to use a single material for the façade, which appears both on the surface and in the window frames, but it has given the façade a kind of deliberate purity that is not disturbed by superfluous elements.
The simplicity and austerity of the massing became the strengths of the design at this point, and the use of black, now not a standard choice in the design of external parts of houses, emphasised the uniqueness of the whole. Although dark colours are not usually associated with the warmth of a home, the architect was keen to break with this perception and emphasise the potential of black.
The beauty is not only in the colour, but in the harmony of lines and proportions. Black expresses unlimited elegance and depth, and the minimalist form is a dialogue between function and perfection,” explains Marcin Tomaszewski.
The black house THE ONE symbolises simplicity and the pursuit of perfection, which play a significant role in contemporary reality and human decisions. The current world is rushing forward and changes in fashion and technology follow. The REFORM studio’s new design could not fail to refer to an area that is constantly evolving and is a private passion of the main architect and client – motoring.
The ‘diffusers’ inserted into the facades, which break up the smooth surface, are a reference to the limited edition supercar of the Italian brand Ferrari, more specifically the special Dayton SP3 series and its distinctive rear end. Their trailing parallel lines introduce harmony and merge with the vertical elements of the facade. These details add dynamism and expressiveness.
This place is the result of immersion in the world of modern technology and personal passions. Here, architecture meets innovation and my personal fascinations translate into the unique character of this building and its overall simplicity. It’s more than a structure – it’s a vision that was born out of a passion for modern solutions, inspiring both myself and those who discover something unique in it,” adds the architect.
The building visible from the street may suggest a static and austere form to the whole. However, this is only an illusion. On the garden side, the building is distinguished by high glazing, which creates a mirror-cube effect. The outside world is reflected in the glazing. Clouds, trees… the changing times of day and year make the black house changeable and adapt its appearance to the given condition.
Thanks to its cube-like form, the building almost naturally separates into modules, with each element performing a distinct function. This clear division translates into ease of use, providing a simple and intuitive way to move around the house. Starting with the spacious garage and discreet technical rooms at the entrance, the layout leads gradually to a module containing a spacious living room illuminated by natural light and a dining room, forming the heart of the house, the ideal place for family gatherings. The architectural highlight is the upstairs bedrooms, located in a glazed overhang, offering beautiful views of the garden area. On the ground floor, meanwhile, there is another glazed area dedicated to pursuing the passions of the householders, creating a unique and functional space.
Over the last few years, we have begun to appreciate the integrity of the domestic space with nature. The abundance of glazing and the natural light streaming in through it not only connects the building to the extensive garden, creating a harmonious integration with the greenery and nature outside, but also has the effect of reducing the need for artificial lighting inside the designed building. These large expanses of glass not only provide a view of the surrounding nature, but also provide a natural light source, which further influences the indoor atmosphere, creating a welcoming and cosy environment that promotes the comfort and health of the occupants.
The building in this case becomes a symbol of the clients’ character and the architect’s mastery. This simple yet elegant form is a kind of interpretation of classic simplicity combined with a modern finish that emphasises the uniqueness of the unit and the timelessness of the chosen solutions.
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About the studio:
REFORM Architekt is an architectural studio, founded in 2010 by architect and creative director Marcin Tomaszewski. To date, the office has completed over hundreds of projects, both individual and commercial. The design office specialises in the design of buildings and interiors. In addition, they provide strong design support for commercial investments. Currently, the team consists of more than a dozen specialists in building and interior design. REFORM Architekt is the winner of many prestigious competitions including the European Property Awards Architecture, Iconic Award.
source: REFORM Architekt
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