Imagine a house that, with its modern form, harmoniously blends with the surrounding landscape, becoming an integral part of it. Lakefront Residence, a project by Warsaw-based studio JMW Architekci, is an example of a development that combines luxury, innovation and respect for nature. This 2,500-square-meter residence, with its accompanying glass garden Lakefront Pavilion, was built on the wetlands of southern Poland, transforming their natural conditions into an asset for the investment.
Lakefront Residence - bird's eye view
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
Project concept: nature as a design element
Lakefront Residence was created as part of an architectural competition organized by the investor, who was looking for a solution for a challenging site - former agricultural areas of southern Poland, characterized by the presence of watercourses and lush vegetation. The JMW Architekci team, led by Krzysztof Jachowicz and Jakub Wisniewski, proposed a concept that, instead of defying nature, takes full advantage of it. As a result, the residence is surrounded by three ponds - a fish pond, a swimming pond and a viewing pond - and hills that interact with the body of the building to create a cohesive whole with the landscape.
The Lakefront Residence, along with its accompanying glass garden Lakefront Pavilion, was built in the wetlands of southern Poland
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
Design work lasted from August 2017 to June 2018, and the project took another 14 months to complete - from June 2018 to August 2019. The project includes not only the main residence building and a garden pavilion on an artificially created island, but also additional elements such as an indoor pool, spa area, helipad, underground garage and service space. The whole is complemented by a garden, designed by Enzo Enea, an internationally renowned landscape architect who specializes in creating spaces that combine aesthetics with ecological principles.
Lakefront Residence has been surrounded by three ponds - a fish pond, a swimming pond and a viewing pond - as well as hills that harmonize with the body of the building, creating a coherent whole with the landscape
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
Architecture and construction: advanced engineering solutions
Construction of the 2,500-square-meter residence on a marshy site required the JMW Architects team to use advanced engineering technologies. The unstable ground necessitated the use of foundation piles and drainage systems to ensure the stability of the structure. An important element of the project was the creation of artificial hills, which not only improved the visual qualities of the surroundings, but also provided insulation from moisture. The three ponds surrounding the residence serve a practical function - regulating groundwater levels, supporting the local ecosystem and acting as a natural sound barrier to ensure quiet for residents.
The building takes the form of a single-story rectangular structure with a flat roof, which emphasizes its horizontal layout and proportions. The structure is based on a reinforced concrete frame, which made it possible to use large glazing, occupying a significant part of the facade. The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows make the interiors open to the surrounding landscape, and residents can take full advantage of the view of the water and greenery. Morning mists hovering over the pond emphasize the lightness and transparency of the block.
Lakefront Residence takes the form of a single-story, rectangular structure with a flat roof
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
The facade has been divided into segments that vary in materials and texture, which gives the building rhythm and dynamism. Light stone with a smooth surface and dark wood were used, which introduces a warmer touch. The central part of the facade is slightly set back, with a flat roof projecting beyond the wall outlines to create a wide canopy that protects from the sun and rain.
The facade has been divided into segments that differ in materials and texture
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
The residence is located directly over the water, which makes the surface of the pond reflect the body of the building, the surrounding vegetation and the sky, reinforcing the impression of harmony with nature. Surrounding the house is a garden with low shrubs, trees in autumn hues and lawns. The vegetation was designed in a natural style, with elements of wildness, which contrasts with the geometric form of the building, but at the same time creates a cohesive whole.
Lakefront Residence is located directly over the water, which makes the surface of the pond reflect the body of the building, the surrounding vegetation and the sky
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architects
Lakefront Pavilion: space on water
The 70-square-meter Lakefront Pavilion garden pavilion was located on an artificial island, surrounded by water. Its glass construction makes the boundary between inside and outside almost invisible. Inside there is minimalist furniture - armchairs, a coffee table and LED lighting, which emphasizes the lightness of the block after dark. The pavilion can be used as a place for relaxation, such as morning coffee overlooking the pond or evening gatherings.
The 70-square-meter Lakefront Garden Pavilion was located on an artificial island, surrounded by water
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architects
Style and inspiration: minimalism with elements of modernism
Lakefront Residence fits into the trend of minimalist architecture, drawing inspiration from modernism and Scandinavian approaches to design. The simple form, flat roof, extensive glazing and use of natural materials - such as stone, wood and glass - allude to classic developments such as Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion and the designs of Tadao Ando, who is famous for combining architecture with landscape. At the same time, the project refers to Scandinavian design principles, focusing on simplicity, functionality and respect for nature. The geometric mass of the residence, juxtaposed with the organic surroundings - water, mist and vegetation - creates a space where architecture and nature coexist in balance.
The project includes not only the main residence building and garden pavilion, but also additional elements such as an indoor pool, spa area, helipad, underground garage and service space
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architects
Interiors: functionality and natural materials
The interiors of the Lakefront Residence have been designed using natural materials such as wood, stone and glass, which harmonize with the surroundings. Large windows provide access to daylight, which optically enlarges the space. The living area includes an open kitchen with an island, a dining room and a living room overlooking a viewing pond, which is conducive to relaxation and socializing. The private zone consists of bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, dressing rooms and guest rooms. Attention was paid to acoustics in the design - sound-absorbing materials were used to ensure silence despite the large area. The recreational area includes an indoor pool, sauna, fitness room and home theater, making the residence self-sufficient in terms of leisure functions.
Lakefront Residence - bird's eye view
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architects
Garden and landscape: design by Enzo Enei
The greenery around the residence was designed by Enzo Enea, a specialist in landscape architecture. The Lakefront Residence's garden serves both an aesthetic and practical function, integrating with the natural ecosystem. The three ponds have different purposes - the fish pond supports local fauna, the bathing pond serves recreation, and the viewing pond is the centerpiece of the landscape. Surrounding the ponds are walking paths, beds of aquatic plants and lawns that transition into areas with ornamental grasses, giving the garden a natural feel.
The greenery around the residence was designed by Enzo Enea, a specialist in landscape architecture
Photo: Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
Technology and ecology: sustainable solutions
The Lakefront Residence uses state-of-the-art technologies to support the building's eco-friendly use. Smart home systems make it possible to control lighting, heating and ventilation to optimize energy consumption. Solar collectors and heat pumps provide eco-friendly heating, and a rainwater recovery system feeds the ponds and irrigation of the garden. With these solutions, the residence combines comfort with sustainability.
The Lakefront Residence uses state-of-the-art technologies to support the building's ecological use
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architekci
Ideas to apply to your home
The Lakefront Residence project can be a source of inspiration for those planning to build or arrange a home. Here are some solutions that can be adapted:
- Using the natural features of the site - for example, surrounding the house with water to create a unique atmosphere.
- Use of large glazing - floor-to-ceiling windows provide more light and a sense of space.
- Investing in greenery - a well-designed garden increases the functionality and value of the property.
- Introduction of green technologies - smart home systems and energy-saving solutions reduce operating costs and support the environment.
Lakefront Residence and Lakefront Pavilion show how architecture can coexist with nature while offering high user comfort
Photo by Piotr Krajewski © JMW Architects
Architecture in harmony with nature
Lakefront Residence and Lakefront Pavilion show how architecture can coexist with nature while offering high user comfort. JMW Architects' project exemplifies a space that combines modernity, functionality and respect for the landscape. For those dreaming of a waterfront home, a modern residence or a garden that integrates with its surroundings, this project can be a reference.
