Willa Leśna is a visionary design for a single-family home that, although not yet built, already impresses with its harmony with nature. Created by si:ti studio , an architectural studio founded by Tomasz Chmielewski, this concept is the fruit of international experience from Sweden and Poland. At si:ti studio, the human being is at the heart of every project - their philosophy is that a home is a space that reflects the place, nature and the needs of the inhabitants. The process begins with a conversation, landscape analysis and a customized approach to make the building fit perfectly into its surroundings - from the sides of the world to the views. Willa Leśna, designed on a forest plot near Warsaw, is the quintessence of this idea: minimalist body, huge glazing and ecological solutions.
Willa Leśna (visualizations of the project) - the elevation on the south side, due to the amazing landscape, has been almost completely opened up by long glazings
© si:ti studio
Vision of a forest asylum
The investors dreamed of a house that would become part of the forest near Warsaw, without disturbing its beauty. Si:ti studio responded with a 280-square-meter horizontal block that looks as if it flows among the trees. Inspired by Scandinavian modernism and Japanese aesthetics, the form combines raw facade stone (gray limestone) with panes of glass. The south-facing elevation, due to the incredible landscape, has been almost completely opened up by long glazing. Natural materials such as stone on the walls of the facade, creates a subtle contrast by dividing large areas of glass, blurring the boundary between inside and outside.
Willa Leśna (project visualizations) - the front elevation is almost entirely white, with few glazings
© si:ti studio
The front elevation is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with large, smooth surfaces in light color, broken by a rhythm of windows and subtle accents of window woodwork, split in the middle by an entrance area with an axial view of the forest and a link to the garage , Tomasz Chmielewski mentions.
The estimated cost of construction is 1.8-2.2 million zlotys, which puts the project in the premium segment, but accessible to those who value quality and ecology. The block will be one-story, topped with a flat roof covered with greenery - grasses and herbs that support local insects. The green roof is not only a nod to nature, but also a practical solution: it cools in summer, insulates in winter, and on top of that extends the life of the roof by 20-30 years. Huge glazing on the south side (12 meters wide) invites the forest inside, creating a house that breathes nature.
Willa Leśna (visualizations of the project) - projection
© si:ti studio
Interior in symbiosis with the forest
The layout of Villa Leśna is a mastery of functionality and aesthetics. The entrance through the glass lobby overlooking the forest will act like a portal - it will separate everyday life from the forest tranquility. The corridor will be lined with oak boards and will lead to all areas of the house, opening to the terrace through sliding doors. The terrace, with a larch floor and steel pergola, will be surrounded by aged oak - a symbol of respect for nature. The space will be an ideal place for breakfast in the sun, evenings with wine or barbecues with friends.
The project places great emphasis on functionality and simplicity of form, while maintaining a high aesthetic standard and attention to integration with the landscape, which was a very important point for the Investors," says Tomasz Chmielewski.
Willa Leśna (visualizations of the project) - the entrance through the glass lobby overlooking the forest will act like a portal
© si:ti studio
Inside the house
The heart of the house will be an open space, connecting the living room, dining room and kitchen. The east wing will be a private retreat.
The combination of living room, dining room and kitchen into one multifunctional open space is designed to maximize space. The orientation of this zone to the garden and numerous glazings emphasize the idea of interpenetration of the interior with the natural surroundings. The sleeping area will be located in the eastern part of the house, providing intimacy and tranquility for the residents. In this way, it was possible to separate functional wings, where one is intended for the living area and the other for the private part," stresses Tomasz Chmielewski.
Willa Leśna (project visualizations) - view of the terrace
© si:ti studio
Practical advice for future builders
Dreaming of a house like Willa Leśna? Here are specifics from si:ti studio to help make your vision a reality:
- Choose a plot: look for a site with southern exposure, like Villa Forest, to benefit from light and heating (savings: 15-20 percent). A soil survey is 2-5 thousand zlotys, but will save you from foundation problems (cost: 60-90 thousand zlotys on sandy soil).
- Open space with class: acoustic panels (PLN 120-150/m²) eliminate echoes. Add sliding shutters (from PLN 2 thousand) to divide the space into zones without walls.
- East-facing bedrooms: the morning sun is a natural alarm clock, but blackout curtains (PLN 250-400/m²) will let you sleep in on weekends.
- Green roof: an investment of 50-60 thousand zlotys lowers air conditioning bills and attracts buyers if you want to sell the house. Check the load-bearing capacity of the roof (min. 150 kg/m²) with an engineer.
- Recuperation: a system for 35-40 thousand zlotys means clean air and 30 percent lower heating bills. A model with a HEPA filter (additional 5 thousand zlotys) is a relief for allergy sufferers.
- Garden in harmony with nature: keep old trees and plant native plants - the cost of care will drop by 50 percent. A pond (min. 12 m², about 15 thousand zlotys) works without a pump, if it has the right depth.
- 3D visualizations: for 8-15 thousand zlotys you will see the house before construction. This is a way to avoid changes on the site, which can increase the cost by 15-20 percent.
- Ahouse for years to come: a one-story block with a 90 cm door and a bathroom without barriers is a convenience for seniors. Sockets at knee level (an extra 2K) make life easier.
Why does Villa Forest delight?
Si:ti studio created a design that is like poetry in architecture - simple, but profound. This is a house for those who want to live in the rhythm of nature - with coffee on the terrace, among the rustling trees. Villa Leśna will work well as a family home, a romantic retreat or a weekend getaway from Warsaw. Its versatility, ecological approach and attention to detail are a recipe for a space that inspires and soothes. The project, which although not yet built, already sets the standards for modern construction. The minimalist body, windows that invite the forest inside and ecological solutions create a house that is a dream for many. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the investors of Villa Forest, start by talking to an architect and carefully analyzing the plot.
