Contemporary single-family architecture is increasingly crossing the boundaries of typical solutions, offering unique designs set in the context of space and nature. An example of such an approach is Dom w Skarpie, the latest project by Warsaw-based 77 STUDIO architektury, which fits harmoniously into the Mazovian landscape. The building not only respects the context of the place, but also subtly accentuates its uniqueness. It's a house that instead of dominating the surroundings - melts with it, creating a private space, immersed in greenery, open to nature and phenomenal views of the Vistula valley.
The house blends into the Vistula escarpment - the building was designed with respect for the natural topography of the area
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
A house born of a dream
It all started from one place - the future owner's favorite vantage point, located on a high Vistula embankment. It was from there that there was a view of the river, coastal vegetation and the distant horizon with the silhouette of the city. The owner spent a lot of time there, dreaming that one day a house would stand there - one that would allow one to contemplate this natural scenery every day, without haste, without filters.
He entrusted the task of designing this unique space to the 77Studio architecture studio, with which he already had good experience - just a few hundred meters away, the 35.35 House on the Escarpment was previously built.
The house blended into the Vistula escarpment has no fence - the borders of the plot are marked by wild bushes, creating a natural barrier
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
The plot was located just a few hundred meters from the place where we previously realized the House 35.35 on the Escarpment. When we began design work, we knew that one of the most important features of the new building would be its relationship to the river. However, despite the similar location, the views differed significantly. Unlike the previous project, the most interesting frames of the landscape opened slightly obliquely with respect to the line of the Vistula, which prompted us to twist the view openings towards it
- recalls architect Paweł Naduk,
owner of 77Studio architecture.
The house blended into the Vistula escarpment - a bird's eye view
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
Architecture that frames the view
So the new house was not fitted parallel to the plot - its positioning was subordinated to the view. As a result, from the interior one can see not only the wide ribbon of the Vistula River, but also the profile of the escarpment with its natural riches: sandbanks, vegetation overgrowing the slopes and greenery of the under-scarp.
Together with the investor, we analyzed the optimal foundation level of the floor and came to surprising conclusions. Unlike the previous realization, every attempt to elevate in relation to the terrain not only failed to provide a more spectacular view, but actually moved us away from what was most attractive. This prompted us to dig the block into the profile of the slope and bring the building as close as possible to the hill itself, framing its footing.
- says the architect.
The decision was also influenced by the surroundings - a grand, traditional house already stood in the neighborhood, which did not encourage architectural competition. Instead, the architects opted for subtlety, blending the new block into the landscape.
The building's terrace offers panoramic views of the river and coastal vegetation
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
The ravine that leads to the surprise
The plot included a wild meadow that rose gently toward the escarpment, hiding an amazing view at the end. The architects decided to preserve this character. They "cut" a narrow steel gully in the hill - an access road and pedestrian access to a hidden courtyard with an entrance to the house. The resulting entrance area is below ground level and in no way reveals what awaits beyond the threshold. Only once inside does the full view open up - a precisely framed landscape of the Vistula River and its opposite bank.
The house blended into the Vistula escarpment - a view at night
photo by Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
A house that doesn't get in the way
The building was designed with respect for the natural topography of the area. Only a thin line of cornice is visible from the waterfront, emphasizing the horizontal layout of the landscape. The building itself bites into the structure of the land, blending into the slope of the escarpment and not disturbing the panorama. The entire structure was covered with a green roof, which was planted with native plant species, characteristic of the Vistula meadows. The escarpment also includes small courtyards - they provide access to light and bring greenery into the building. Importantly, the plot has not been fenced - its borders are marked by wild shrubs, forming a natural barrier.
The house blended into the Vistula escarpment - bird's eye view
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
Materials - durability and character
Both the elevations and the driveway paving were made of corten steel panels. This material not only ages beautifully, but also gives the architecture a raw, muscular expression. Even the automatic garage door was hidden behind the facade panels to maintain a consistent form.
Because of the building's recess below ground level, we wanted to give it a natural, yet somewhat "muscular" and characterful expression. Hence the decision to use thick panels and corten sheet profiles
- Nadukexplains .
The roof of the house was covered with a green roof
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
Thoughtful functional layout
The single-story house of almost 450 square meters has a very clear layout. The large living room opens to the terrace through a 12-meter sliding door, which almost completely blurs the boundary between the interior and nature. Next to it is a bedroom with a bathroom, and in the other part of the house - two more bedrooms. The kitchen with dining room is placed in a sunny corner on the south side. Panoramic glazing allows one to move freely around the house without losing touch with the surroundings.
The house, blended into the Vistula escarpment, of almost 450 square meters, has a very clear layout
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
Ecology and modern technologies
The building is equipped with renewable energy systems, home automation and passive solutions - such as cornices and light breakers that reduce interior heating in summer. This combination of thoughtful architecture and technology promotes comfortable living and reduces the house's impact on the environment.
View of the house from the Vistula River
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © 77Studio
Architecture that inspires
The house in Skarpa is not only an example of great single-family architecture - it is a manifesto of conscious design that takes into account nature, the context of the place, the needs of the residents and concern for the future. For anyone planning to build a home in a picturesque setting, this project can be an inspiration - how to achieve modern luxury in harmony with the landscape instead of against it. It's a house that doesn't scream.... but stays in the memory.
