The Lesser
Polish Eaves Cottage is a house which was inspired by the Polish wooden arcade
architecture. Eaves houses located in the market square of Lanckorona are an
interesting example of such architectural solutions.
While designing
the house, we followed the regulations stipulated in the Local Area and
Development Plan, which only allowed for a single floor house with a gable
attic. In spite of restrictive regulations, we managed to create an interesting
structure of the building. We used the topography of a scenic plot of land
creatively and we separated as many as five different levels, legally falling
within the definition of a two-storey building.
A ground floor
from the entrance and the garage entrance side is connected with the existing
ground level. Then in the living area – kitchen and dining room – the level is
slightly sloping, opening the high interiors onto the magnificent view. Further down,
directly on the ground level, the living-room space is located. In the central
part of the living area, where we placed a fireplace, a multi-step drop is
formed. It cuts through the glass pane and is continued outside. The inside
part of the drop forms a seating space, a form of a multi-level auditorium or
unusual guest space arrangement. Outside it
forms contemporary arcade stairs, a dynamic stylistic accent, binding in a
harmonious way the ground-floor solid with the gable form of the soaring attic.
The
ground floor, which is modernist and entirely glazed from the south side, was
finished with naturally patinating and aging wood, as seen in historical eaves
houses. The contrasting, expressive form of the attic was finished with the use
of modern material, Ruukki Classic roofing sheet, which defines the precise
architectural detail.
The
minimalistic solid of the attic, enclosed in a puristic triangle and tucked
with the roofing sheet creates a distinct arcade, protecting the house against
sun and rain. From the south side the attic houses the interior of a scenic
bedroom, open up to the ridge and from the north side – two-level study with a
mezzanine on the highest, already fifth level.
The
Lesser Polish Eaves Cottage is a designer house, but in the same time it is
durable and timeless, as it is firmly rooted in tradition…and in BXB studio we
strongly believe that this is the factor which makes it something more than
just another modern building.