A one-hundred-metre flat with a spacious terrace opens up onto Lake Nysa and the gentle outline of the Opawskie Mountains. This is the flat of a young dentist couple in which the view becomes an equal part of the design. What is outside the window is like another material with which the architect works. The glazing leads the eye far beyond the frame of the walls, and inside there is a muted, harmonious aura that emphasises the rhythm of the landscape. The elegant space was designed by Krzysztof Szyra of Szyra Studio.
The interior is based on muted earthy colours: subtle beiges, warm browns and deep greys. Natural wood meets stone with a perceptible texture, and both materials are held together by a distinct black line – present in the details, light fittings and furnishings. This combination creates a calm backdrop for everyday life and brings the authenticity of the materials to the fore, without being too decorative.
Living space
The biggest challenge proved to be the living room with its unobvious layout, where the investors wanted to accommodate a side-by-side fridge. There was not enough space for it in the existing glazing, so an island – a high, built-in riser – was placed in the counter. The island conceals the refrigerator, a row of tall cabinets, the oven and microwave, organising the functions without losing any light. The new form has become a compositional accent that clearly draws the boundaries between kitchen, dining and lounge areas. On the kitchen side it provides an ergonomic base for working, on the dining room side it creates a calm background for the table, and on the living room side it provides a visual cover for the appliances, so that the living area retains a representative character.
Night area
The master bedroom has been planned as an intimate, soothing space for two. A glass door divides the room from the bathroom, combining the two functions into one seamless whole full of light. A natural recess in the wall conceals a small dressing room with a dressing table – a dream come true for the owner, and at the same time a discreet corner to organise daily rituals.
The rest of the flat is complemented by two smaller rooms. One is a cosy study for computer games – the host’s masculine enclave, where acoustics and twilight are conducive to immersion in gameplay. The other room remains flexible: it can serve as a guest asylum or a workspace.
The guest bathroom is distinguished by a glazed black panel separating the shower – a detail that repeats the theme of graphic black and brings rhythm to the composition. Next to it sits the compact laundry room, hidden but easily accessible so that daily chores do not disturb the tranquil character of the space.
The architect deliberately dispensed with an enclosed dressing room at the entrance, allowing the hall to be visually widened and giving the space more representative proportions. The entrance area is now welcoming with light and order, and the black detail line running through it coherently links the vestibule to the rest of the flat. It is a subtle gesture that reinforces the first impression and brings order to the viewing axis from the threshold.
Balance of form and function
This project is a conscious dialogue between aesthetics and ergonomics. The designed island solved a specific functional problem while becoming a strong compositional sign. The muted palette brought out the beauty of wood and stone, while the discipline of black accents unified the flat into a coherent whole. The result is an oasis of calm for a couple who value elegance and comfort – a place where the panorama outside the window and the refined interior form a whole.
design: Krzysztof Szyra – Szyra Studio(https://www.instagram.com/szyra.studio)
photography: Agata Piątkowska(https://www.apfotograf.com)
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