At the end of the picturesque Ostrów peninsula, on Lake Kalwa in Pasym, a unique complex of modern holiday homes designed by the NOKE Architects team has been built. The intimate Masurian settlement, built from prefabricated wooden elements, is a new alternative to the popular "barn house". - harmoniously inscribed in the landscape, inspired by local tradition and thoughtfully designed from urban planning to architecture to interior details.
Interior of one of the cottages in Masuria designed by NOKE Architects.
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
A modern Masurian habitat
In Pasym, on a peninsula in the middle of the huge Kalwa Lake, a project was created that escapes the typical associations with holiday housing in Masuria. Architects from the NOKE studio not only realized a complex of holiday cottages, but also created an interpretation of the place, landscape and local tradition in the spirit of modernity and respect for the environment.
- Our goal became to create a new archetype of a Masurian habitat. A house linked to the landscape in terms of views, built with natural materials and harmonizing with the traditional buildings of the region," explains Karol Pasternak of NOKE Architects.
Houses harmoniously integrated into the landscape of the Ostrów peninsula
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
The project was created as an alternative to the house-building schemes popular in recent years - often duplicated, lacking local character and not blending in with the surroundings. Architects from the NOKE studio decided to approach the subject differently. They opted for authenticity, good proportions and a refined context.
- "We wanted to create an alternative to the 'barn house' type popular in Poland, which is excessively run down and essentially alienated from its surroundings," says Piotr Maciaszek.
The architects proposed an alternative to the popular "barn house" type
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
Bold vision and precise planning
The ground for this project was prepared by a conscious, ambitious investor.
- Inspired by realizations seen abroad, he made a bold decision to sell not just plots of land, but also ready-made, well-designed houses. He knew that such actions could give the right direction to the next activities, already outside his area of operation. He wanted a coherent, harmonious development to be created in this unique neighborhood, Karol Pasternak reports.
Architects Karol Pasternak and Piotr Maciaszek
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
The entire site has been carefully laid out and divided into nine large plots, each of which is about 3,000 square meters. The spatial arrangement is not accidental - the houses are arranged around restored and designed small ponds. The architects made sure that each development gets its own space, intimacy and tranquility. The houses stand at a distance, on slight hills. As a result, their balconies offer a soothing view of the surface of Kalwa Lake. The development has a casual character that brings to mind elegant summer residences rather than standard vacation homes. Such a layout is conducive to relaxing in silence, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, but without completely abandoning the comforts of modernity. Proximity to the lake, space and conscious landscape planning make this project set a new quality of summer recreation in Poland.
The houses are arranged around small ponds
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
A project steeped in tradition
Inspired by the old architecture of Masurian homesteads, architects from the NOKE studio decided to create a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic farmhouse layout. Instead of building one compact block, they resorted to the idea of juxtaposing several segments of varying heights and functions, creating a harmonious composition that alludes to the old farms consisting of a dwelling house, barn, cowshed and stables. The individual elements of the block were "pushed together" so as to create a functional whole, while maintaining clear spatial divisions. This resulted in an architecture that is modern, but visually tame - familiar and friendly to the eye. Its proportions, roof layout and slope are subtly reminiscent of local buildings, while the materials used - wood, clinker and structural mineral plaster - root the project even more firmly in the Mazurian landscape.
The use of wood, clinker and structural mineral plaster highlights the inspiration of the surrounding landscape
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
- Porches, verandas and covered terraces were an important component of old country architecture. They have disappeared over time, and we have taken a fresh look at them to extend the enjoyment of the Mazurian home. Canopies allow contact with nature even in less favorable weather. They encourage you to read a book on the balcony when it rains, or enjoy the cool shade on the terrace on hot days," describes Karol Pasternak.
Large windows allow the landscape to penetrate inside
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
Prefabricated construction and functional layout of rooms
The well-thought-out composition of the block has a direct bearing on the functionality of the interior. Each segment corresponds to a different zone of the house. The uppermost part hides bathrooms, a kitchen, a utility room and a mezzanine - a place intended for work or receiving guests. The wing facing the kitchen is a spacious living area, which includes a vestibule, a dressing room and a spacious living room.
The kitchen was arranged in the highest part of the house
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
On the opposite side, next to a large bathroom, there was a segment housing two bedrooms. This layout guarantees intimacy and comfort for the residents, even when all rooms are fully utilized. A distinctive element of the project is also the garage gazebo, whose openwork plank construction alludes to the aesthetics of an old barn. This is an example of how the designers were able to combine inspirations from the past with the needs of modern life. The realization in Pasym was also an opportunity to use prefabricated wood technology.
- The qualities of a prefabricated wooden house can also be felt inside, in the air. Natural materials work, they breathe, which makes the smell of such a house very pleasant, even when you look inside after a long absence," describes Piotr Maciaszek.
Bedrooms are located in a separate private area
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
Raw charm of natural materials
Although the area is 115 sq. m, the interiors seem much more spacious thanks to a well-thought-out spatial layout. The key role here is played by the central wet room complex, which is surrounded by widely glazed corridors that allow free circulation around it. This solution not only improves functionality, but also brings in plenty of natural light, which, combined with the huge windows, allows the landscape to penetrate inside. The impression of spaciousness in this case is not due to the size of the house itself, but to an intelligent design that combines comfort with harmony. The designers took care of the uniform character of the interiors, carefully selecting materials, colors and forms that together form a cohesive whole. The walls are dominated by structural mineral plaster, which, painted with mineral paint, fits in with the natural atmosphere of the cottage. Plywood on the ceilings and solid wood complete the whole, giving the space warmth and coziness. The micro-cement flooring, which is resistant to intensive use, provides a solid base for the entire interior, emphasizing the modern character of the house, while maintaining its natural character.
Wet rooms are centrally located
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
Simplicity as an expression of warmth
The project perfectly combines local, rustic character with a modern approach to minimalism. The interior, full of warmth, emphasizes the simplicity of the furnishings, which is expressed in carefully selected elements. Curtains made of Polish linen, hung on hand-forged curtain rods, fit perfectly into this atmosphere. Other details, such as lamps and mirror frames, are also the work of local craftsmen, which gives the interiors a unique character. Such craftsmanship is present in many elements of the arrangement, where the expressive textures, structures and weaves of fabrics bring a sense of warmth and authenticity. Solid oak furniture, designed by the NOKE team, provides a solid, durable basis for the interiors, but also attracts attention with its beauty and simplicity of form. It is worth noting that this project also includes furniture by the best contemporary Polish designers. The chair "Kos" and ceramic table "Oka" by Nurt came from the hand of Maja Ganszyniec, while the lamp "Apolin" is the work of Grynasz Studio. Mirrored vases "Oko" by Malwina Konopacka can also be spotted in the interiors. Relief paintings by Ola Niepsuj, designed for the Ludism brand, and motifs decorating glasses by Lazise enrich the space, making it even more artistic. The entirety of this design, from the furniture to the unique details, encourages you to celebrate moments spent in this beautiful home, which becomes a true work of art.
The interior is full of furnishings from the best contemporary Polish designers
Photo: Piotr Maciaszek Styling: Karol Pasternak
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
