Modern architecture is increasingly looking for ways to harmoniously connect a building with the surrounding nature. The House with a Levitating Garden by the 81.waw.pl studio is an example of a project that takes this idea to a whole new level, literally floating the garden above the ground and redefining the relationship between living space and the environment. The house is currently under construction.
The centrepiece of the concept is a huge green slab, constituting a garden and terrace, set on a concealed structure. It simultaneously acts as a roof for the technical storey and garages. This bold solution gives the house the impression of levitating above the site, and the garden is no longer just an addition to the building – it lifts it. The living area is designed as a light, single-storey pavilion, open to the greenery and submerged in the natural landscape. Each room has direct access to the outdoor relaxation area, with no stairs or barriers, which emphasises the seamless blending of the interior with the surroundings. The skilful use of the plot’s topography and an innovative approach to the design has created a floating effect, where the garden becomes an integral part of the house.
The plot on which the project was created is characterised by a significant difference in levels, which initially posed a challenge but ultimately provided the impetus for an unusual solution. The investors, abandoning the traditional storey layout, expected a single-storey house with a garden accessible from every room. This premise gave the project its unique character. From the street, the building presents itself as a low, closed pavilion with a compact form. The solid walls are broken by a long, horizontal glazing just below the roofline, which optically separates it from the rest of the structure and enhances the impression of lightness. On the south side, on the other hand, the house opens up completely onto the garden. The glazed façade and the absence of architectural barriers make the boundary between inside and outside practically disappear.
The basement of the building is used for the garage and the technical area, which are accessible from the lower level of the plot. Thanks to this solution, these functions remain almost invisible, and all attention is focused on the slightly floating main body of the building. The materials used further reinforce the idea of the modern, monolithic form of the house. The body of the building is covered with a dark plaster imitating concrete, giving it a raw, minimalist character. Wooden accents in the form of façade niches and details warm up the composition, creating a contrast to the dominant surfaces. The base of the building, covered with dark green concrete tiles, blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, emphasising the idea of architecture growing out of nature.
The House with a Levitating Garden is a bold interpretation of contemporary architectural trends, combining innovative design solutions with a desire for harmony with nature. It is not just a building – it is a manifesto for a new approach to the relationship between living space and the surrounding landscape.
House design: 81.waw.pl
Structure design: Marek Makuch
Sanitary installation design: Simar Marcin Siwocha
Visualisations: 81.waw.pl
Read also: Single-family house | Modernism | Greenery | Minimalism | whiteMAD on Instagram
