Near Olsztynek, on the shores of Lake Kownatki, the Kownatki Lake House development is currently under construction. It is an intimate complex of detached houses designed for seasonal or year-round holidays. The project is being built on a 36-hectare, wooded site, whose greatest asset is its immediate proximity to a lake with water of the highest purity. The lake, which falls within a quiet zone, is the perfect place for those seeking peaceful locations in the western part of Masuria.
The Gdańsk-based Archmondo studio is responsible for the architecture of the houses. Its founder, Piotr Kowalczyk, emphasises that the starting point for this project was the holiday function of the houses and their relationship with their surroundings:
– The most important thing for us was to give the best possible form to a clearly defined function. The aim was to create a place that would become a favourite leisure spot for families with children and their guests. The surrounding nature is key to the design. To blur the boundary between the building and its surroundings, we used, amongst other things, large-format glazing that opens the house up to the landscape,” says Piotr Kowalczyk.
The architect’s vision is clearly evident in the photographs. The buildings frame views of nature, which seems to permeate the interior.
The first phase of the development comprises 20 houses with floor areas of 90 and 110 square metres. Their form references local architecture – simple volumes with gabled roofs are combined with façades made of aluminium panels and Siberian larch treated using the Shou Sugi Ban method. This technique gives the wood a refined hue and increases its resistance to weather conditions.
The materials used in the interiors are primarily ash and spruce, applied to the soffits, stairs, mezzanine flooring and kitchen fronts. The walls and floor on the ground floor are finished in architectural concrete. A distinctive feature of the design is the large, thin-framed glazing, opening the house out onto both the terrace and the front of the plot.
Each house will be situated on a plot of at least 1,200 square metres. The landscaping is being handled by topoScape studio, known for projects such as Warsaw’s Park Akcji Burza (we wrote about it HERE), which was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe European Architecture Award. In Kownatki, the studio has developed a concept that emphasises the natural character of the site, respecting the existing greenery and introducing cohesive planting solutions. The new greenery harmonises well with the trees that have been growing here for years.
The planned communal spaces are a key element of the development. They will cover a total of 14 hectares and will include, amongst other things, a private beach, a pier, jetties, tennis courts, padel and volleyball courts, a gym and a playground. In subsequent phases, the developer Rohe plans to build a restaurant and a wellness area. The entire development is to operate as a gated community with concierge services, including cleaning, gardening and deliveries of local produce.
Kownatki Lake House fits into the trend of year-round holiday homes designed to be used not only in summer but also during the autumn and winter months. The design takes into account the changing seasons – from summer trips to the water to winter stays. The homes can be used regardless of the temperature. Its location between the lake and the forest, with convenient access via the S7 route, makes the site easily accessible to residents of both Warsaw and the Tri-City. This is an option for those seeking space close to nature, whilst retaining access to the infrastructure and amenities that allow them to enjoy Masuria all year round.
More information: https://www.rohe.pl/kownatki/ and https://archmondo.pl.
design: Archmondo
photos: Jakub Certowicz
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