In Warsaw’s Ochota district stands a modern villa that successfully combines a bold architectural form with respect for the surroundings. Located right next to the Szczęśliwicki Park, it offers its residents not only the comfort of living, but also daily contact with nature. The view of the pond and the Szczęśliwicka Hill has become an integral part of the design by Bui-Pędowska Architekci studio and one of its greatest assets.
Architecture set in the context
The building has a compact, three-storey form and was designed as a simple, cubic block with a flat roof. The façade, in dark brick tones, has been finished with a rough texture, giving the whole a distinctive, somewhat austere appearance. However, the monolithic form is offset by numerous loggias, terraces and patios – elements that open up the house to the surroundings and provide residents with private enclaves of greenery and panoramic views. Each recess or alcove is visually accentuated with a white border finished in smooth plaster.
Function subordinated to the view
The house has been carefully thought out from a functional point of view. The ground floor includes a two-car garage and a technical and utility area. The first floor features bedrooms with their own bathrooms and dressing rooms, as well as a library integrated into the circulation area. The entire second floor, on the other hand, is dedicated to the living area, i.e. the kitchen, dining room and living room, which seamlessly connect to the spacious loggia and terrace overlooking the park. It is from this perspective that one can best see how the architecture corresponds with the greenery, not dominating it, but complementing it.
A modern villa suited to the scale of the neighbourhood
The plot on which the house was built is 440 square metres in size and has roughly rectangular proportions. Thanks to its location with its longer side almost along the east-west axis, it was possible to optimally plan the rooms in terms of sunlight. The building fits in with the character of the existing single-family development on Bielska Street and is a natural complement to it in terms of both scale and function.
Privacy and openness in balance
Given the existing and potential neighbourhood to the south, large glazing on this side has been dispensed with, with a focus on privacy and intimacy for the residents. At the same time, the design includes the possibility of installing folding loggia glazing on the second floor, allowing the house to adapt to the changing needs of the occupants without sacrificing contact with the environment.
A modern villa as a considered whole
The completed building is an example of conscious design: frugal in form but rich in content. Every element, from the functional layout to the façade details, was subordinated to the single idea of creating a home that allows one to live comfortably, modern and close to nature. Today, it is becoming not only a response to contemporary needs, but also a model for future realisations in urban green enclaves.
About the authors
Bui-Pędowska Architekci studio, founded in 2015 by Mai Bui Ngoc and Marta Pędowska, specialises in designing a variety of buildings – from residential buildings to public spaces such as restaurants, kindergartens or laboratories. The studio’s team focuses on a comprehensive approach, taking into account the urban, environmental, cultural and economic context. Each project is implemented with attention to budget, schedule and the individual needs of the investor, who receives support at every stage of the investment.
Project: Bui-Pędowska Architekci
Location: Szczęśliwice, Warszawa-Ochota
Usable area: 350 sqm.
Designers: Maciek Rydz, Mai Bui Ngoc, Marta Pędowska
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