House In Konstancin / BDR Architekci

Architects: BDR Architekci
Area: 240 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Konrad Basan
Manufacturers: RHEINZINK, Swisspearl, Tubadzin
Lead Architects: Konrad Basan, Paweł Dadok, Maria Roj
Structure Engineers: JaKon Jacek Grzelak
Products Used in This Project: Panel Surface Finish – prePATINA ECO ZINC by RHEINZINK, Fiber Cement Boards – Patina Inline by Swisspearl
Category: Houses, Sustainability
Program / Use / Building Function: Single-family house
MEP & HVAC Consultants: MJ Projekt
City: Konstancin-Jeziorna
Country: Poland

House in Konstancin residential building designed by BDR Architekci in Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland has strengthened the relationship between living space and nature through spatial openness, hybrid construction, and sustainable systems. Located in a wooded spa town near Warsaw, the project integrates full-height glazing, sliding windows, and a covered terrace to blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The compact volume preserves green space on the plot, while an efficient layout addresses legal and spatial constraints. A steel frame with glulam forms the superstructure, and reinforced concrete is used for the basement and stairs. Facades are clad in milled cement-fiber panels. Interiors use subdued colors and natural materials to emphasize outdoor views, with exposed structural elements such as steel beams and wooden roof framing. Environmental strategies include eaves for shading, rooftop PV panels, a smart home system, a heat pump, and a rainwater tank.

The house is situated in Konstancin-Jeziorna, a spa resort near Warsaw known for its green, wooded landscape. The design was developed to make full use of the site’s natural conditions, aiming to reflect the concept of living in close connection with nature. The living room, positioned on the first floor, is designed to open extensively to the surrounding environment. Through the incorporation of full glazing and sliding windows, the shared space integrates with the outdoors, highlighting a strong relationship between the building and the natural setting. The adjacent covered terrace acts as a buffer, offering shade to the interior while also extending the functional living area. The first floor includes a bedroom, children’s room, study, and bathrooms. All usable spaces on both floors, including the bathrooms, have direct access to terraces and views of the surrounding landscape.

The compact form of the building is designed to preserve as much green space on the plot as possible. The floor plan prioritizes efficiency, providing maximum functionality within the constraints set by the plot size and applicable regulations. The structure employs a hybrid construction system: the above-ground portion is built using a steel frame combined with glulam elements, while the basement and staircase are constructed from reinforced concrete. The facades are clad in milled cement-fiber panels.

The interiors feature muted colors and simple forms that draw focus toward the surrounding greenery. The open-plan living room and kitchen are finished in neutral tones, incorporating white along with natural materials such as wood and quartzite. As a result, the outdoor panorama becomes the primary visual element influencing the interior atmosphere. In the bathrooms and hallway, furniture cladding and large-format ceramic tiles in uniform pastel colors have been applied. Structural components are intentionally left exposed in several areas, including steel I-beams in the living room, the wooden roof structure in the upper rooms, and the reinforced concrete shaft within the stairwell.

The building is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The steel-frame structure enables efficient use of materials and contributes to a shorter construction timeline. Eaves and arcades provide shading that helps prevent interior overheating during the summer months. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the southern slope of the roof, and the energy they generate can be used to power devices such as an electric vehicle. All building systems are integrated through a smart home system. In addition, the building is equipped with a heat pump and a rainwater collection tank.