Small Vacation Cottages u Gai | Archframe Design Awards 2022

The cottages were built on a hill with a beautiful view of the Karkonosze Mountains. The area is rich in flora and fauna. As part of the investment, two summer houses with a total usable area of ​​approximately 80 m2 were designed. During an on-site inspection, it was found that there was a closed quarry near the plot. There was an idea to refer to this unusual neighborhood in the project. The plot is located on a steep slope, so the houses have been arranged in such a way as to give the impression of freely scattered boulders.

It was important to emphasize the view of the Karkonosze in the design process, which was achieved thanks to the use of 4,5 m wide panoramic windows that frame the view of the mountains like a picture frame. The location of the buildings and paths has been planned to minimize interference with the vegetation on the plot. It was also important to preserve the natural “wild” character of the plot, as little affected by human activity as possible, hence the abandonment of traditional paved surfaces in favor of unpaved paths with elements of aggregate from the immediate vicinity.

The buildings are set on a pedestal set back in relation to the body of the building, thanks to which less greenery has been removed. The overhang of the houses behind the plinth gives the impression that from the outside they seem to be levitating over the slope. From the inside, this procedure brings users even closer to the surrounding landscape.

The cottages are designed on a square plan. The main entrance is on the west side through the adjoining terrace. On the ground floor there is a living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom and a dressing room. There is a bedroom on the mezzanine, the outline of which is in line with the ridge line, i.e. diagonally to the house’s projection.

Individual objects were made in the HBE glued timber system. Thanks to this technology, there was no need to finish the walls with additional cladding from the inside. Outside, the façade and the roof are made of Siberian larch, which began to patinate under the influence of UV rays, thanks to which the houses blend in even more with the surrounding landscape. The plinth is finished with hewn stone.

Gold Winner – Archframe Design Awards 2022
Design Firm – SAN ARCHITEKTURA RAFAŁ OLEKSIK
Project Title – Small Vacation Cottages u Gai
Project Category – Hospitality Design
Status – Built
Architect – Rafał Oleksik
Design Team – Rafał Oleksik
Practice – Professional Architect
Country – Poland


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