Artists House

THE ARTIST’S HOUSE

The Artist’s House is a re-incarnation of The Rural House. Further development of this design was initiated by the client in order to figure out the optimal solution in regards to the problem of function vs. space. The process relied on both physical and 3d modelling and resulted in a more detailed understanding of the site and natural environment, form and function. A small scaled working model (1:500) of the original concept allowed us to critically re-approach the design. For example; re-examining the entrance situation allowed us to create a viewing platform – a negative space hollowed out from the already existing forms. We also decided that the initially free-standing garage would become one with the house and would serve the function of a structural pillar to the upper module. We then built a scaled up model of the house at 1:100. This helped us not only to determine the form of the building in regards to the surrounding built environment but also allowed to re-examine its functional purpose. Using the Rural House as the basis, we started working on the third physical model - designed to give a more expressive, flamboyant and artistic feel of the proposed facility. The form of the house, in both the Rural and Artist’s House relates to the local roof line. The function and expression of form responds to the needs of the customer - the contemporary artist and creator. One of the objectives was to achieve stylistic emotional tension of opposing forms, which parallel the diverse artistic emotions. The expressive overhanging block contrasted with the linear subdued basement block and created a balance showing contrasting moods, forms, colors and textures. The overhanging weather-dynamic Corten block is separated from the two horizontal basement blocks made from rough concrete. The smooth glass cubes serve as connectors and supports for the opposing blocks. These two industrial milky glass structures form the detached garage and entrance hall to the house - into which we can also park a car! The vehicle and pedestrian access to the house has been designed in a very peculiar way. Juxtaposed blocks of individual functional areas form a spectacular frame. Thus, creating simultaneously a viewing platform, shelter and terrace as well as perhaps redefining the form and function of a traditional courtyard.
The living space located in an overhead block is accessed through a staircase and elevator. It is fully glazed and open to the expansive view, at the same time being sheltered from the road and adjacent buildings. This has allowed for optimum privacy while still allowing for daylight to penetrate the structure. The living space is arranged on one open and clear level.
The concrete basement block, embedded into the steep slope of the plot, is allocated for auxiliary uses –facilities, a guest zone and an outdoor terrace with swimming pool. Its outer raw concrete texture is embossed with a wooden grain from the formwork slats.
The Artists House represents a raw, honest, industrial architecture which is dominated by natural materials. The loft style interior of the house is raw and modern, corresponding with the style of the entire facility.

Project: BXBstudio Boguslaw Barnas
Location: Konary, gm. Mogilany, k. Krakowa, Polska
Date: 2013
Total area: 615 m2
Client: Privat

Team: Boguslaw Barnas, Elena Casado Castrillo, Giulia Berloco
Cooperation: Filip Maciejowski
Consultation: Stefan Godecki

Artists House by Boguslaw Barnas in Poland won the WA Award Cycle 18. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.