- Project: House in Konstancin
- Architect: BDR Architekci
- Location: Poland, Konstancin-Jeziorna
- Year: 2023
- Area: 240 m2
- Photography: Konrad Basan
Living Close to Nature
The House in Konstancin by BDR Architekci is a contemporary residence designed to harmonize with the wooded character of Konstancin-Jeziorna, a spa resort town near Warsaw. With its compact footprint and expansive glazing, the home embodies the concept of living close to nature, maximizing green space on the plot while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
A Raised Living Room with Views
The heart of the home is the first-floor living room, which opens generously to the outside through full-height glazing and sliding doors. A covered terrace encircles this level, acting as both a buffer for shading and an extension of the interior. Bedrooms, a children’s room, study, and bathrooms are also located here, each connected to terraces with views of the surrounding greenery.
Compact Shape and Hybrid Construction
The building’s compact form was conceived to preserve outdoor green areas while ensuring functional efficiency. Structurally, the house combines a steel frame with glulam timber elements, while the basement and staircase are made of reinforced concrete. Facades are clad in milled cement-fiber panels, creating a subtle, durable exterior finish that blends with the natural context.
Minimalist Interiors
Inside, the design is guided by a minimalist palette of white, wood, and quartzite, allowing nature to remain the focal point. Exposed structural elements add character—steel I-beams in the living room, wooden roof structures upstairs, and a raw concrete shaft in the stairwell. Bathrooms and hallways are finished with large-format ceramic tiles and furniture cladding in pastel tones, enhancing continuity and simplicity.
Sustainability and Smart Design
Sustainability was central to the design of House in Konstancin:
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Photovoltaic panels on the roof supply renewable energy.
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Rainwater harvesting supports resource efficiency.
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A heat pump ensures low-energy heating and cooling.
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Smart home systems integrate all installations, improving energy use and comfort.
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Eaves and arcades protect interiors from overheating during summer months.
By employing a hybrid steel-timber structure and efficient planning, the project reduced construction time and material waste while delivering a residence that is environmentally conscious and future-ready.
