Imagine a house that, instead of towering over its surroundings, almost disappears into them - blending into the escarpment, adopting the color of nature and opening the interiors to the morning mists rising from the river. House 35.35 on the Escarpment is not about architecture in the classical sense. Rather, it's a story about sensitivity - to place, light, view and function. Designed by Warsaw-based 77 STUDIO architektury, this single-family home was honored with the prestigious European Property Awards 2023-2024 in the Architecture Single Residence category. The jury appreciated not only the form, but also the way the project responds to the difficult conditions of the location. How does a building whose roof merges with a grassy slope and whose terrace seems to flow seamlessly into the current of the Vistula River look like? Let's take a look behind the scenes of a project that redefines the relationship between home and landscape.
The challenge was to integrate the building into the steep slope and bring it closer to the Vistula River, located 35 meters and 35 centimeters below - hence the name "House 35.35"
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Location and context
The 312-square-meter single-family house is located in Mazovia, on the banks of the Vistula River. The plot offers views of the river, riparian meadows and a vast plain. These site features inspired the owners to choose the location. Architect Pawel Naduk of 77 Architecture Studio, responsible for the project, emphasizes:
This place stood out for its character, so we decided to expose the surroundings, allowing residents to come into contact with nature.
The challenge was to integrate the building into the steep slope and bring it closer to the Vistula River, located 35 meters and 35 centimeters below - hence the name "House 35.35." The design was to integrate with the landscape. The body of the house was set into the slope, making it almost invisible from the perspective of the opposite bank of the river. This gives the residents privacy, while the building interacts with nature.
The Vistula River side is dominated by panoramic glazing, stretching the entire length of the building
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Form and function: the body of the house as a response
to the lay of the land
The building is characterized by a horizontal layout that emphasizes the elongated form along the Vistula shoreline. It consists of two levels, differentiated in terms of function and the way they are incorporated into the slope. The upper level, with large glazing and a flat roof, appears to float above the slope, which gives the massing a lightness. The lower level, partially sunk into the slope, gives the impression that the building is growing out of the ground, minimizing interference with the natural surroundings.
House 35.35 on the Escarpment - project sketch
sketches: Pawel Naduk © 77 Studio
In plan, the block takes the shape of the letter "C", which makes it possible to create an inner courtyard - a space sheltered from the wind, providing privacy for residents. This layout emphasizes the functionality of the project, creating an external zone that is an integral part of the house. The roof is flat and covered with greenery, allowing the surrounding landscape to continue. The green roof promotes thermal and acoustic insulation, and encourages local biodiversity. From a bird's-eye view, it merges with the grassy slope, enhancing the effect of the block blending into its surroundings.
House 35.35 on Skarpa - bird's eye view
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Minimalism and contrasts: the facade
as an expression of cohesion with the landscape
The facade of the house was made using contrasting materials that emphasize its minimalist character. The side of the Vistula River is dominated by panoramic glazing, extending along the entire length of the building, which provides residents with a wide view of the river. The glazing opens up the interiors to the landscape and adds lightness to the block. The side and rear walls are finished in a dark material that contrasts with the light surroundings, accentuating the simplicity of the design. Wooden elements, such as the larch soffit used on the terrace and in selected parts of the facade, introduce a natural accent, connecting the building to the surrounding greenery.
House 35.35 on the Escarpment consists of two levels, differentiated in terms of function and the way they are incorporated into the escarpment
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Spatial layout and relationship with the surroundings
The body of the building has been deliberately shifted in relation to the boundaries of the plot, as can be seen in the bird's eye view photo. Such a procedure allowed preserving the view of the Vistula River, avoiding it being obscured by a clump of trees growing in the central part of the plot. The building is surrounded by lush vegetation, and is bordered by natural elements such as lawns and trees, which reinforces the impression of symbiosis with the landscape. The terrace, extending towards the river, is an integral part of the block and acts as a link between the interior and the surroundings. The edgeless pool, adjacent to the terrace, visually connects to the water of the Vistula, which further strengthens the relationship of the house with the landscape.
In plan, the block assumes the shape of the letter "C", which makes it possible to create an inner courtyard - a space sheltered from the wind, providing privacy for residents
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Interiors and functional layout
The house's interiors were designed with a view of the surroundings in mind. The middle level, with access to the skyline, features a living room with dining room, kitchen, study and master bedroom with open bathroom. The lower level, with access to the slope garden, includes additional rooms.
Inspiration for challenging plots: architecture in the service of the landscape
The 35.35 house on the Escarpment shows how architecture can coexist with nature. It is an example of a realization that prioritizes harmony with the environment and functionality. For those planning to build on difficult terrain, this project demonstrates how to adapt the body to the shape of the plot.
House 35.35 on Skarpa - bird's eye view
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Key elements of designing a house on a slope
- Harmonizing with the terrain - building on a slope requires a lot of attention when integrating the house into the natural landscape. Rather than placing the building in counterpoint to the terrain, take care to integrate it, which will minimize interference with the environment.
- Large glazings - open your home to the world! Glazing allows you to take full advantage of natural light and views. Remember, however, that with large windows it is necessary to ensure adequate thermal insulation so that the house remains energy efficient.
- Nature-friendly materials - the choice of materials is crucial. A combination of glass, concrete and wood not only ensures durability, but also harmonizes with the environment, maintaining a modern but subtle look.
- Terrace and pool in the surroundings - if space allows, it is worth investing in an overhanging terrace or pool. Such elements strengthen the relationship with the landscape, creating a space for relaxation with a view of the surrounding nature.
- A green roof is not only about aesthetics, but also about environmental benefits. It acts as a natural thermal and acoustic insulation, and also supports biodiversity. In addition, it blends perfectly with the landscape, creating a cohesive, ecological image.
The use of these elements in the design of the house on the slope will help not only to achieve a functional space, but also to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.
House 35.35 on the Escarpment - minimalist body, panoramic glazing, green roof and carefully selected materials emphasize functionality and respect for the environment
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77 Studio
Architecture in harmony with nature:
the house on the scarp as a model of modern design
The 35.35 house on the Escarpment is an example of architecture that combines modernity with harmony with nature. The project by Warsaw-based 77 Studio architecture studio, which won the European Property Awards, shows how to create a living space that harmonizes with the landscape without dominating it. The minimalist body, panoramic glazing, green roof and carefully selected materials emphasize functionality and respect for the environment. It's a solution that can inspire the design of homes in difficult terrain, such as slopes and riverbanks, with both aesthetics and practical living in mind.
