The modernist villa, which can easily be considered one of the most interesting new single-family homes in Poland, is the quintessence of contemporary architecture that combines functionality with respect for the surrounding nature. The new project by the 77Studio architecture studio, titled ‘House in the Escarpment’, shows an unusual sensitivity to the character of the place – creating a space where residents can enjoy intimacy, proximity to nature and undisturbed contact with the picturesque landscape of Mazovia. Built on the banks of the Vistula, the house is a dream come true for its owner.
The history of the house is inextricably linked to the impressive escarpment rising above the Vistula, on which there is a special place offering a sweeping view of the river panorama, the lush riparian vegetation and the outline of the city in the distance. It was there that the future owner, a regular visitor to his favourite vantage point, dreamed of creating a house that would allow him to admire the phenomenal landscape on a daily basis. The realisation of this dream was entrusted to the architects from 77Studio, who recently realised the project “House 35.35 on the Escarpment”.
“The location of the plot was only a few hundred metres from our previous project, but it offered completely different and fascinating views,” says arch. Paweł Naduk, owner of 77Studio architecture. It was established early on in the design work that the building’s relationship with the river would be a key element of the new development. Unlike previous projects, the most interesting frames of nature appeared oblique to the line of the Vistula, which prompted the team to change the traditional approach to view openings. As a result, the house was not positioned parallel to the perimeter of the plot, but was placed in a way that allows one to enjoy not only the majestic view of the river, but also the full profile of the escarpment – from the sandy shoals to the greening slopes.
During detailed analysis with the developer, it was discovered that raising the mass of the building in relation to the site did not have the effect of a spectacular view, but rather detracted from it. As a result, it was decided to recess the house into the slope profile, bringing the structure as close as possible to the natural elevation. This solution allows the landscape to be perfectly framed – a unique view of the river and the surrounding countryside from the threshold of the interior.
The decision to position the building asymmetrically had additional justification in the context of the surrounding development. The neighbouring traditional house did not allow for a prominent form that could disrupt the harmony of the area. In addition, a wild meadow slightly situated towards the slope acted as a natural screen that surprised the viewer with an unexpected view from the end of the space. The architects decided to emphasise this uniqueness by preserving the original character of the plot.
A ‘steel ravine’ was created in the meadow area – a cut-out space that acts as access and access to a small patio with the main entrance to the house. This subdued space, located below the level of the surrounding ground, does not immediately betray its uniqueness. It is only after crossing the threshold that the carefully created frame reveals itself, exposing all the beauty of the escarpment and the land on the other side of the Vistula.
The house was designed with attention to minimal interference with the natural shape of the slope. Just a thin line of cornice cuts across the waterfront, subtly accentuating the horizontal line of the landscape. In the depths, the building blends into the structure of the ground, maintaining harmony with the natural morphology of the plot. The whole is complemented by the green roof plane, which further softens the visual presence of the building, allowing it to ‘disappear’ among the greenery.
In order to maximise interior light and introduce elements of nature, small patios were designed on the slope, which, thanks to native plants, perfectly camouflage the building. Instead of a traditional fence, the property is surrounded by wild shrubs, which create a natural barrier while not disturbing the beautiful landscape.
The building’s façade and the edge of the road leading to it are finished with corten steel panels. To maintain a unified mass, the automatic garage door was hidden behind the facade. “The decision to use thick panels and solid profiles in corten steel was based on the desire to give the building an austere, yet harmonious and muscular expression” – explains Paweł Naduk.
The single-storey villa with an area of almost 450 m² is distinguished by its clear division of functions. Most of the usable rooms have been positioned to benefit from the best views. The spacious living room on the south-east side opens onto a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Vistula River. Impressive 12-metre-wide automatic sliding doors connect the interior with the surrounding nature, allowing a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor worlds. A bedroom with an anonymous bathroom has also been designed adjacent, providing an oasis of privacy.
Two more bedrooms are located on the south-west side, while the dining room and kitchen are situated in a perfectly sunny corner of the building. Such a well-thought-out layout of the rooms makes it possible to move freely around the house, while enjoying constant contact with the panorama of the Vistula River.
Care for the environment has also been taken into account in the design. The use of RES-based solutions, intelligent building automation and special light breakers and cornices allows for a passive reduction in air conditioning consumption, minimising the villa’s impact on the surrounding nature.
design: 77Studio architecture
photography: Piotr Krajewski – Architecture Photography / Architectural Photography
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