In one of the charming single-family housing estates from the 1930s in Gdańsk, an unusual house project was created that harmoniously combines modernity with the historic urban fabric. This unique building was designed with a family of four and their dog in mind, and the main idea of the project was to integrate the new building into the historic surroundings while maintaining high functional standards. The minimalist house reinterprets traditional architecture.
The design of the house pays homage to 1930s architecture, but in a modern, minimalist interpretation. The volume of the building, which refers to the original development of the plot – a house with a pitched roof – has been divided into three distinct blocks. Each has a specific function. The white block houses the children’s rooms, the concrete block is the parents’ private area (bedroom and study), and the wooden block is used for auxiliary rooms such as bathrooms, dressing rooms and a pantry. This expressive composition organises not only the functional but also the aesthetic space. The remainder of the interior, between the solids, has been designated as a common space for all the household members. This space flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining room to culminate in the living room with its impressive two-storey height.
On the ground floor, where only the study, bathroom and pantry are located, the communal space remains as open as possible. The study, set in a concrete block, offers privacy while being visually connected to the rest of the house through precisely designed openings. The living room, kitchen and dining room flow seamlessly together, creating an open space with varied views of the surroundings. On the first floor, there are three bedrooms: the parents’ (in concrete block) and the children’s (in white block). These rooms are designed with the privacy and comfort of the householders in mind. The wooden block conceals the bathrooms and the dressing room. The interiors, thanks to skylights located at the junction of the blocks and the roof, are illuminated with natural, diffused light. Each of the spaces opens outwards in different directions, offering unique viewing frames – the living room opens onto the garden, the dining room onto the west terrace and the study provides a view of one of the garden trees. The children’s balcony offers views of the Tri-City Landscape Park.
The roof of the building is covered with minimalist light-coloured tiles, contrasting with the austere body of the building. Where skylights are located, glass is used to bring additional light into the interiors. This treatment adds lightness to the interiors and emphasises their spaciousness. The interiors of the house have been designed using raw, natural materials that perfectly match the minimalist character of the project. Concrete, wood and terrazzo are dominant in the material palette. Floors finished in fine terrazzo tie the interiors together, creating a cohesive, satin surface. The concrete walls were left in their raw state, only impregnated and protected, which emphasises the modern, industrial character of the concrete block. The wooden block in the interiors is finished with veneered furniture and wall panels in natural oak.
In reference to the wooden elements of the interior, the windows and exterior finishes, such as the plot fence, are also made of the same material. This approach emphasises the natural, timeless character of the design. The furniture and accessories in the house have been thoughtfully selected so that they do not contrast with the minimalist interior, but instead harmonise with its simplicity and functionality. An upholstered sofa and chairs in fine fabrics add softness to the space. Lighting is another important element – the pendant lamp above the dining table and the small pendant lamps in the living room create a pleasant, intimate atmosphere. In the ground floor bathroom, a freestanding cylinder-shaped washbasin and a lamp with a smoked glass shade add elegance and warmth.
An important design element is the building’s ecological approach to air conditioning. Wooden shutters act as natural ‘passive air conditioning’, reducing heat gain from the sun and thus reducing the need for cooling. In addition, the garage, located on level -1, saves space for the garden, which offers multiple zones – from the west terrace to a private area with lawn and barbecue area.
The minimalist house in Gdansk is an excellent example of modern architecture that respectfully refers to the historic urban fabric while offering modern functional solutions. It is a place where form meets function, and the minimalism and austerity of materials harmonise with the warmth of natural wood to create a space ideal for the modern family.
Design: SuDe Sustainable Design
Address: Gdańsk, Strzyża
Completion: 2022
Usable area: 149 sqm.
Photography: Tom Kurek
Also read: single-family house | Minimalism | Interiors | Wood | whiteMAD on Instagram
Topic: minimalist house in Gdansk – a modern interpretation of tradition
