The Suburban House: A Bold Statement Amidst Architectural Chaos

Mateusz Zajkowski's Award-Winning Design Redefines Residential Architecture

The inspiration for The Suburban House is rooted in the desire to create a simple, yet bold form that could stand out in the midst of diverse architectural styles. The design consists of two cuboidal forms, one on top of the other, each differing significantly from the other. The upper form is entirely covered with timber, while the white form below has cut-outs in several places, revealing a contrasting grey centre.

The Suburban House is not just about aesthetics. It also takes into consideration the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Despite the desire for large windows, the design prioritizes privacy. The terrace is surrounded by the walls of the building, and the north side has only narrow windows, shielding the inhabitants from the surrounding intense buildings. The main openings are directed to the south, providing a great view of the plot.

The construction of The Suburban House is a mix of reinforced concrete technology and brickwork. The basement, initially intended to be plastered, was left as raw concrete, adding a unique touch to the design. The ground floor is made of brick and finished with elevation panels, while the floor is covered with oak wood, which extends from the inside to the outside.

The house, which spans about 400m2, makes maximum use of the plot width. It is situated 4 meters from the border with the neighbor and 6 meters from the road. The life of the house revolves around the terrace, which is adjoined by the living room, kitchen, and dining room. Despite the dense buildings surrounding it, the interaction between the inside and the outside works great here.

The project, which started in 2013 and was completed in 2020, was a response to the challenge of creating a comfortable house in the heavily urbanized and unstructured suburbs of Warsaw. The result is a simple and readable form, yet bold enough to meet the aesthetic needs of the client. The Suburban House is more than just a residential building; it is a design that improves the surrounding space and stands as a testament to innovative architectural design.