Interview about Double Barn House, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2023
Double Barn is a contemporary house located in the suburbs of Warsaw, designed for a family of four. The challenge was to create a modern, yet timeless house design, referring to the traditional architecture of Mazovia and adapting to the context of nature. In order not to overwhelm the surrounding single-family housing with its size, the house was divided into two interconnected blocks. From the inside of the house, mainly bright elements of HPL boards are visible, which makes it feel cozy. At the same time, the dark façades made of graphite tiles blend the house into the surroundings.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsTo ensure the building’s scale respected the landscape of small single-family homes in the immediate vicinity, we conceived the idea of dividing the structure into two interconnected blocks. This approach not only helped to harmonize the house with its surroundings but also allowed it to integrate seamlessly into the existing tree cover. Externally, the two blocks give the impression of separate buildings connected at the ground and first-floor levels. However, their placement is deliberate—carefully informed by the surrounding landscape, sun orientation, and functional requirements.
The decision to angle one block slightly relative to the other created a dynamic interplay between the two forms, energizing the overall composition. This arrangement was also guided by practical considerations—angling one block toward the gate improved access to the three-car garage. This layout naturally resulted in a welcoming entrance courtyard on the east side and a private garden on the southwest side. Generous glazing on the south and west-facing facades ensures optimal energy efficiency, while overhanging roof slopes and existing greenery provide natural shading to prevent overheating in the summer.
The design process emphasized the relationship between people, nature, place, history, and tradition. This approach stemmed from a deep exploration of the cultural context while simultaneously seeking a contemporary architectural expression. By drawing on the simplicity of Mazovian rural architecture—characterized by rectangular plans and symmetrical gabled roofs—we created a design that respects the region's traditions while reimagining them in a modern, timeless form. The result is a building that feels both deeply rooted in its context and forward-looking in its design language.
The building’s facades are clad in graphite cement tiles, chosen for their rustic texture, which evokes the organic unevenness of tree bark and enables the house to blend naturally with its surroundings. This darker material is complemented by light, wood-like HPL panels in recessed areas, softening the visual mass of the structure and adding a sense of warmth and coziness, especially from the interior perspective. The use of composite panels with a riffled texture on the gable walls and entrance area further enhances the tactile and visual appeal, creating a harmonious dialogue between the house and its environment.
The design carefully considered the neighboring single-family homes to ensure the house would not overpower the local architectural context. By dividing the structure into two barn-inspired blocks, we achieved a form that aligns naturally with the scale and rhythm of the rural landscape. This thoughtful division allowed the project to harmonize with its surroundings while retaining its own architectural identity.
The interior layout was designed to balance shared family spaces with private areas tailored to each household member. The parents’ zone occupies the mezzanine floor in one block, including a hobby room and master bedroom. The children’s zone is housed in the second block, featuring a playroom, twin bedrooms with mezzanines, a shared bathroom, and storage. A connecting link bridges the two zones, with the staircase positioned to provide direct access to both areas. This layout fosters interaction while offering privacy and independence, with the staircase itself serving as a sculptural feature that enhances both the interior and exterior design.
In the “Double Barn” project, the goal was to trigger similar emotions to those of being in nature, being in the woods. The key assumption I made for the project was the interpenetration of the interior of the house with the surrounding nature. This effect was achieved thanks to huge glazing. The garden even penetrates into the interior of the house, while in the evening, especially with the light turned on inside, the glazing of the gable wall allows the structure of the house to be exposed outside, towards the terrace.
One major challenge was a discrepancy in the local zoning plan regarding the minimum plot size, which initially raised concerns about the property’s eligibility as a building site. Fortunately, the more favorable parameter prevailed, allowing the project to proceed. During the conceptual phase, relocating the children’s spaces above the garage helped distribute the house’s functional zones more evenly, while also creating a more intimate garden area on the plot’s southwestern side. These adjustments ultimately enhanced the project’s functionality and spatial dynamics.
Integrating hidden gutters and downpipes allowed us to maintain the minimalist form of the house and reinforce its modern character. By eliminating visible drainage elements, the elevations remain uniform and uncluttered, contributing to the overall sense of harmony and refinement.
The recognition of Double Barn House highlights the value of integrating modern architecture with regional traditions and natural surroundings. This project serves as a testament to the potential of blending contemporary design with cultural and environmental sensitivity. Its success inspires confidence in continuing to explore this balance, encouraging more projects that harmonize innovation with context, and persuading clients to invest in architecture that respects and enhances its environment.
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