In a forest near Warsaw, surrounded by tall pine trees bordering the Kampinos National Park, the Exterio Architektura studio has completed the ‘Penetrating House’ – a project centred on the conscious use of light, proportion and the relationship with nature. This is a place designed for those seeking a balance between the intensity of city life and the tranquillity of living amongst trees. The location offers both proximity to Warsaw and an atmosphere conducive to tranquillity, which became one of the project’s key objectives.
From the outset, the architects aimed to ensure that the house did not merely stand in the forest, but truly coexisted with its surroundings. Opening the interiors to three sides of the world, allowing natural light to enter at different times of the day, and creating seamless transitions between the interior and the garden mean that the building responds to the changing landscape and allows residents to experience it on a daily basis.
Two volumes and one coherent idea
The form of the house results from the combination of two single-storey volumes covered with pitched roofs. One of them has been raised to the first-floor level and shifted relative to the other, creating distinctive arcades – above the entrance and above the western terrace. This solution forms part of the natural transitional zones between the interior and the garden.
The concept of interpenetration is also reflected in the materials. The lower volume is finished in dark wood arranged vertically, reminiscent of pine trunks. The upper section is clad in light-coloured façade tiles arranged horizontally, creating a clear contrast and reinforcing the impression of overlapping forms. This lends the building a sense of lightness, despite its bold geometry.
Light has become the most important element of the design. Wide horizontal glazing and tall vertical windows bring natural light into the interiors, which changes with the time of day. The double-height living room plays a special role – monumental glazing opens onto the garden, and the protruding upper floor creates a covered terrace which, in summer, becomes an extension of the interior. As a result, residents can observe the movement of the trees and the changing light, which enhances the atmosphere of the home and daily comfort.
A space designed to last
The functional layout of the house has been tailored to everyday life. The ground floor houses the living area with direct access to the garden, whilst the first floor comprises the private quarters. Both storeys are connected by a high-ceilinged living room and a staircase, which is also visible from the façade thanks to vertical glazing. This solution allows light to flow freely between the levels and emphasises the coherence of the composition.
The design also includes a lift – a decision rarely seen in two-storey houses, but one that is fully justified. It is an element that enhances user comfort and prepares the building for the future needs of its residents, in line with the concept of long-lasting architecture.
As architect Marcin Klukowski emphasises, the final result is the outcome of close collaboration with the client, contractors and the site supervisor. The Penetrating House needs no excessive embellishments to make an impression – its strength lies in light, proportions and its relationship with nature. It is architecture that allows you to experience the surroundings with all your senses and find peace amongst the trees.
architecture: Exterio Architektura
team: Marcin Klukowski, Karolina Syrkiewicz, Maciej Paszkowski
interior design: Hola Design
photography: Yassen Hristov
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