Mountain Cottage: A Modern Twist on Traditional Pastoral Houses

A Unique Holiday House by HOLA Design

This unique holiday house, designed by HOLA Design, is a stunning blend of traditional and modern elements. Situated on the shore of the artificial Czorsztyn lake in southern Poland, the cottage offers breathtaking views of the lake and two medieval castles. The design of the house was inspired by the traditional local pastoral houses, with its dark color and use of materials. However, it also incorporates modern form and technical solutions, making it a truly one-of-a-kind creation.

The cottage features a characteristic roof and front wall covered with aspen chips, a traditional technique popular in the north of Poland. The roof smoothly transitions into the wall, creating a seamless and visually striking exterior. The interior of the house is thoughtfully designed to maximize the view of the lake, with a fully glazed wall facing the water. Two sliding windows allow for the opening of half of the wall, seamlessly connecting the interior to the terrace.

Inside, the cottage combines modern aesthetics with traditional elements. The designers have incorporated carved ornaments, reminiscent of those found in highlanders' homes, into the interior design. The color palette is subdued, with black, gray, and natural wood tones dominating the space. These neutral colors are complemented by clear details, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

The cottage is divided into different levels, with the ground floor housing the living room, kitchen, dining room, two bathrooms, and a wardrobe. The attic contains two kids' rooms and a master bedroom, while the basement features a guest room, technical room, and toilet. Throughout the house, the floors are heated and painted with concrete paint, adding a touch of warmth and comfort.

One of the standout features of the cottage is the attention to detail in the design. Two custom-made lamps hang in the living room, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness. The kitchen wall is adorned with a cut steel pattern of a flower, symbolizing life and representing a folk character associated with the region.

HOLA Design's favorite aspect of the project is the overall atmosphere of the property and its surroundings. The design seamlessly integrates with the environment, emphasizing the valuable elements of the landscape. The team believes that a consistent and coherent design is the key to a successful project, regardless of its style.

The project took 18 months to complete and is located in Kluszkowce, Poland. HOLA Design conducted extensive research on local architectural traditions and materials, combining them with modern techniques. The biggest challenge was finding the balance between tradition and modernity, which the designers successfully achieved in this remarkable cottage.

This design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that showcase outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The cottage's strong technical and creative skills contribute to the improvement of quality of life, making it a truly remarkable and award-winning design.