Forest House

Warsaw, Poland

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Field House

Forest House

Warsaw, Poland

Firm

81.WAW.PL

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2021

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

The Forest House – A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

The stone façade of the Forest House echoes the dark trunks of the pine trees that grow in this area, blending the building harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Meanwhile, the impression of the black structure’s massiveness is softened by recessed niches, which are finished with light-colored wood. These wooden details not only create a visual contrast but also add warmth and a sense of lightness to the overall design, making the house appear more inviting and balanced within the landscape.

The entrance to the house is located in the section that also contains the living room. Instead of a traditional walk-in wardrobe, the vestibule features built-in closets, maximizing space while maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic. Moving further inside, we enter a spacious living room and home office, both of which open onto a large covered terrace. Additionally, the windows of the office face the street, allowing for a clear view of the house’s entrance.

Architecture in Harmony with Nature

“We always strive, whenever possible, to ensure that architecture blends naturally with its surroundings. When trees are present, we aim for materials that harmonize with them rather than stand out aggressively, creating an impression that the building is intruding into the plot,” explains Anna Paszkowska-Grudziąż, an architect from the 81.waw.pl studio.

A distinctive design element separating the living room from the kitchen is a green buffer featuring a single-flight staircase. The kitchen and dining area form a continuous open space with large glazing on both sides of the plot. This arrangement creates the illusion that nature from the outside extends seamlessly into the interior, reinforcing the connection between the house and its environment.

Innovative Layout and Material Choices

An unconventional solution in this project was the separation of the garage from the main entrance. This decision was dictated by the building regulations for the plot. However, by introducing an additional wardrobe space near the garage, this design choice has proven to be highly functional.

The house could only be constructed on a specific section of the designated land. To make full use of the available building area, the ground floor layout was carefully adapted. This, in turn, influenced the overall shape and character of the house. From inside the home, instead of seeing the dark exterior, residents are surrounded by warm wooden finishes that seamlessly integrate with the forested landscape. “This intentional design ensures that the interior remains bright and inviting, reflecting the natural surroundings rather than the stark black façade,” adds architect Rafał Grudziąż.

A Distinctive Upper Floor Design

The upper floor is designed as a solid, compact volume, seemingly "placed" atop the ground floor structure. It is divided into two distinct zones: a children's bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and wardrobe, and a master bedroom with its own walk-in closet and bathroom. This clear separation ensures privacy and comfort for the household members.

On the street-facing side, a covered terrace enhances the outdoor space, while wooden sliding shutters provide shade and privacy for the windows. On the northern side, the upper floor extends outward on a large cantilever, creating a sheltered parking space beneath it.

Balancing Modern Design with Investor Preferences

The homeowners were open to contemporary architectural concepts, engaging in extensive discussions about various materials. Initially, the owner was hesitant about the use of black slate on the exterior, fearing that a dark façade might feel overwhelming. “We reassured her that the interior would prominently feature warm wood, and the slate would mainly be visible when entering the building but not from the interior or the terrace. In the end, the combination of slate and wood proved to complement the forest surroundings beautifully,” the architects recall.

This thoughtful approach to material selection and design ensures that the house feels deeply connected to its natural setting while maintaining a modern and striking aesthetic.

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Forest House

Warsaw, Poland

Other Projects by 81.WAW.PL

Field House

Forest House

Warsaw, Poland

Product Spec Sheet

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