Konieczny's Ark: A landscape-integrated house in the mountains

A house immersed in Polish mountain scenery

The greatest value of the plot located in the Polish mountains is the picturesque view that stretches from it. The house designed by KWK Promes for architect Robert Konieczny, called Konieczny's Ark, was not meant to compete with this natural attraction but to become an integral part of the landscape. Hence, the concept of a single-story, fully open to the mountainous landscape building was born, providing panoramic views from every place inside the house

Solving security challenges

However, due to the plot's location in the absolute middle of nowhere, certain challenges arose, especially regarding security.  The solution to this problem turned out to be the "twisting" of the building so that only one corner touches the ground, while the rest is suspended over the edge of the hill. As a result, the ground floor, where the bedrooms are located, was raised to the level of the first floor, further enhancing the safety of the residents.

Reducing landslide risks through creative design

The implementation of unusual solutions influenced the need for a well-thought-out structure. The building was based on three independent walls, treating it as a bridge under which rainwater flows naturally. This approach minimizes the impact of subsoil movements, which is the main cause of landslides.

Creating an unusual form of house

The realities of the mountain landscape and local regulations required the use of a gabled roof. Additionally, the architect, seeking a solution to integrate the structure of the three load-bearing walls and provide adequate technical space, came up with the idea of creating an "inverted roof" underneath the building, slightly raised above the ground, allowing for natural water flow. Its specific undercutting optimized the structure and further emphasized the impression of "floating" above the slope. In this way, the form of the house began to resemble an ark - hence the name - Konieczny's Ark

Optimizing construction costs

When designing the building, the priority was to make it economical and easy to construct, which is why the architect decided to insulate it from the inside. A construction made of poured concrete from a local producer was used as a finished facade, thereby eliminating complicated details and finishes. Optimal insulation was provided by a closed-cell spray foam, which also functions as a vapor barrier.

Home comfort solutions

In the context of the home's large glazing, it was important to design shutters to prevent the interior from overheating. In addition, the implementation of a shutter with a 10-meter high movable wall and a drawbridge that combines the functions of a shutter and a staircase met expectations for effectively closing the entrance to the house

Sustainable and minimalist garden design

When designing the garden around the house, the main consideration was the unique features of the plot, which is part of an entire mountain. For this reason, Konieczny opted for a minimalist approach, eliminating traditional fences in favor of a temporary shepherd's fence and designating a few stones as a natural path. This solution allowed for harmony with the surrounding nature, creating a clean, undisturbed landscape. Additionally, to maintain the natural appearance of the plot, the architect avoided placing lighting that could disrupt the harmony. Instead, he used the concrete block of the Ark as a spotlight that illuminates the area, giving the entire house a lamp-like function while emphasizing its architectural uniqueness.

Konieczny's Ark's natural coexistence

The project seamlessly harmonizes with the surrounding nature, as evidenced by the fact that the animals living in the pasture around the architect's house began to treat the building, especially the space underneath it, as their shelter, providing them protection during rain and strong winds. As a result, the name "Konieczny's Ark," which initially referred solely to the building's form, gained a second meaning bestowed by the surrounding nature.