The Lesser Polish Eaves Cottage | BXB Studio Boguslaw Barnas | World Design Awards 2021

BXB Studio Boguslaw Barnas: Runner-Up of World Design Awards 2021. 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.  

The design was created in order to accommodate a 4-person family space, located on the unusual long narrow plot of irregular shape. The owners wanted to combine contemporary architecture with the local tradition, while complying with requirements of the local plan.

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.

The search for regional features characteristic for single-family housing led us to discover forgotten traditional eaves houses. 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.

Project Details
Firm
BXB Studio Boguslaw Barnas

Project Name
The Lesser Polish Eaves Cottage

Architect/Designer
Boguslaw Barnas

World Design Awards Category
Residential Built

Project Location
Poland

Team
BXB studio Boguslaw Barnas

Country
Poland

Photography ©Credit
©BXB studio Boguslaw Barnas

BXB studio established by Bogusław Barnaś in December 2009 is an interdisciplinary design studio which attempts to creatively challenge issues in the fields of urbanism, architecture, art, design, graphics and publishing. In design work, the studio draws inspiration from Polish history and tradition, re-thinking traditional motifs and adapting them to contemporary design. In recent projects, the studio dwelled on folk notions such as the Zakopane Style or timber sacral architecture.

In creative practice, BXB studio places great emphasis on the relationship between man and nature. This aspiration is reflected in the character of places created – from urban schemes, to built forms and interiors. Sustainable and energy efficient homes make up a large proportion of our portfolio.