It is an eclectic space in which each member of the household has their own place. The interior of the house in Gdańsk was designed by Marta Kozakiewicz and Paulina Rubinkowska. The building has an area of 140 square metres and was built for a family of four who appreciate minimalism complemented by colourful accessories. This is how Playwood House was created – a project that combines raw simplicity with the warmth of natural materials.
The exterior of the building manifests the “less is more” principle. A simple cube with a subtly sloping roof (covered with veneered wood shingles) is set on a low raw concrete plinth, creating an effect of lightness and detachment from the ground. The façade is clad in birch veneer panels, the warm hue of which contrasts with the coolness of the steel fittings and glazing extending from floor to roof. Hidden gutters and monolithic window frames emphasise the geometric purity of the design.
The interior of Playwood House is a single, cohesive living space, divided only by discreet glazing and furniture into lounge, dining and kitchen areas. Natural light streams in through large windows that frame views of the greenery of the forest. The walls have remained light and smooth, which highlights the texture of the wood on the floor and the simple pieces of furniture – custom-made from solid oak and veneered panels. The minimalist kitchen with a raw concrete island adheres to the idea of functionality: every element has a strictly defined task, and superfluous ornamentation has given way to carefully designed storage and sliding fronts.
The bedrooms and private rooms are located in separate “wings” of the house, maintaining intimacy thanks to sliding partition walls. In each, the attention is drawn to the discreetly integrated LED lighting, emphasising the clean lines of the furniture and the warm-toned wood. The bathrooms are kept in shades of grey and white, where minimalist fittings are juxtaposed with concrete countertops and glass walk-in cabins, creating a raw spa atmosphere.
Playwood House is not only about streamlined form, but also about a conscious dialogue with nature. The terraces around the building seamlessly extend the interior outwards, encouraging ‘outdoor’ living even without leaving the living area. Wooden landings lead towards the moss-covered forest, while panoramic glazing almost removes the boundary between inside and outside.
The investors and architects agree that the key to the success of this project was the elimination of unnecessary details and the focus on the quality of the material. As a result, Playwood House not only looks light and modern, but also promises timeless durability and ease of use. In an age of excessive forms and stimuli, this house becomes a refuge of simplicity, where it is all about relaxation, contact with nature and functionality tailored to everyday needs.
design: Marta Kozakiewicz and Paulina Rubinkowska – cooperation within Kreatura Design Studio
photographs: fotomohito
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