Comprehensive architectural and interior design for a mountain residence, including project supervision
WJ House
2023–2026, Jelenia Góra
WJ House | In a mountain village nestled in the Rudawy Janowickie range, numerous hiking trails intersect, leading through some of the most picturesque parts of the Karkonosze Mountains. The landscape here is characterized by dense beech forests, open meadows, and sweeping mountain vistas. On a steep slope, at the edge of the forest, a house is being built that blends into the natural terrain—a space designed as a private living environment for a family of six, in direct contact with nature.
The slope of the lot served as the starting point for the building’s cascading design, in which successive levels form a system of terraces and viewing points. This layout made it possible to fully capitalize on the challenging topography of the site, while ensuring that natural light reaches every room. Spectacular views of the Karkonosze Mountains, including Śnieżka and Szrenica, open up from the interior and exterior spaces of the house.
The building has two distinct facades. On the north side, it remains more closed off and horizontal, blending seamlessly into the hillside landscape. On the south side, the architecture opens up with large windows and two-story spaces that lead toward terraces cascading down the slope of the lot.
The architectural form draws inspiration from the traditional style of Karkonosze-region buildings. Prominent eaves and facades made of Thermory thermally modified wood, set on a concrete foundation, offer a contemporary interpretation of regional mountain architecture. The structure is crowned by a roof covered with black Rheinzink sheet metal, which emphasizes the house’s distinctive character. Natural materials were selected to age gracefully over time and gradually integrate the architecture into the surrounding landscape.
The house is integrated into its surroundings through a carefully composed arrangement of concrete planters, retaining walls, outdoor terraces, and a swimming pool, which bring order to the open meadow landscape and give it a more intimate, home-like character. In contrast to this orderly architectural structure, the garden has largely been left in its natural state, allowing the landscape to retain its original character.
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project: WJ House
Location: Jelenia Góra
type: single-family home
Scope of work: architecture, landscape architecture, interiors, furniture
years: 2023–2026
area: 1,200 sq. ft.
Publications: -
awards: -
media: -
Brands: RHEINZINK, Thermory
photo: -