On one of the slopes in Gliczarów, a house has been built that not only responds to the extreme conditions of the terrain, but also creatively exploits them. The design by the Karpiel Steindel studio is an example of architecture that grows out of local tradition, but does not stop at its literal reproduction. Instead, it offers a contemporary interpretation of a mountain hut – a familiar, familiar form, yet boldly transformed thanks to modern technologies and construction.
The investors, people deeply connected to the mountains, knew from the outset that their home was to be more than just a functional shelter. It was to become a space that responded to their way of life – dynamic, full of movement, close to nature and in constant contact with the surroundings. The shared sensibility of the architects and owners allowed them to create a design that not only meets these expectations, but actually enhances them.
Architecture rooted in tradition
One of the most important assumptions was to reverse the classic functional layout. Due to the extreme slope of the plot, the entrance to the house was designed at the attic level, accessed by a footbridge. This solution not only organises communication, but also becomes a practical element – it can serve as an additional parking space. The access road curves under the building, and the entrance to the garage becomes the first spectacular experience: behind the gate, a panoramic glazing opens up with a view of the Tatra Mountains, usually reserved for the living area.
The shape of the upper storey was inspired by a Carpathian hut. The facades and roof are covered with wooden shingles – a material deeply rooted in local tradition. The wood was brushed to bring out its natural structure and give it a raw, noble character. In contrast to this warmth, the ground floor is made of concrete, which serves both a structural and aesthetic function. The concrete walls act as retaining walls and at the same time form a solid foundation for the lighter wooden structure.
A structure that becomes an attraction
The architects opted for a structure that hides nothing. A row of reinforced concrete columns forms the façade and extends into the interior, creating a distinctive, repetitive pattern. The glazing gives the whole structure a sense of lightness, and the overhang of the ground floor – protruding more than 2.5 metres from the ground floor – enhances the impression of floating above the slope. The underside of this storey is finished with mirrored sheet metal, which reflects the sky, greenery and stony ground, creating an almost illusory effect of suspension.
What does the interior look like? The basement houses a garage, technical rooms and an extensive SPA area with a sauna, jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area. The ground floor houses a living area with a lounge that opens up over two storeys to the roof ridge. Thanks to this, the panorama of the Tatra Mountains adorns the interior every day. There are also two bedrooms on this level, with further sleeping quarters located in the attic.
The house was designed for a family of four whose active lifestyle required a large storage space for sports equipment – from bicycles to skis and climbing gear. Each element of the functional layout is based on the real needs of the users.
A house that lives with the landscape
Large south-facing windows provide natural lighting and passive heating in winter, while extended eaves protect the interior from overheating in summer. The building is equipped with modern installations – mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, air conditioning and an intelligent management system. Electrically controlled curtains allow you to adjust the amount of light and the level of privacy. On the north side, the house is enclosed by a minimalist concrete façade, protecting the residents from the gaze of neighbours, while on the south, east and west sides, it opens up to a panorama of the Tatra Mountains and the garden. The latterhas been left largely in its natural meadow form. Directly adjacent to the house, a space inspired by high mountain pastures has been created – rock debris and scree have been planted with native vegetation. The stone blends naturally with the concrete of the ground floor and the retaining walls, which were necessary due to the course of the access road.
The design was created seven years before implementation, but – as the architects emphasise – it has not lost its relevance. Construction took two years and was carried out on a turnkey basis. The biggest challenges were the terrain conditions and the limited construction season, typical for mountain locations. However, it was worth the wait!
design: Karpiel i Steindel architectural studio
photos: PawełSarota
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