ultra-architects exudes strength in monolithic seaside house

ultra-architects exudes strength in monolithic seaside house
all images courtesy of ultra-architects

the cubed, monolithic shell of ‘seaside house’ by polish studio ultra-architects exudes a sense of safety, geometric stability and tightness. located in a coastal town, the reinforced concrete building is situated on a plot of land just behind a bank of sand dunes. the structure needed to be heavy and waterproof due to the instability of the ground and its surrounding water levels. replacing the original residence, the new volume is carefully inserted in between the site’s existing pine trees. in contrast to the exterior wooden cladding, the gray, rough texture of the interior is balanced by white internal walls and soft natural floors. sheet metal was also incorporated into the construction with the window-frames and other components designed using a graphite color. 

the new volume was carefully inserted in between the site’s existing pine trees

the elevations are almost identical, each following a similar pattern. the entrance on the eastern corner consists of two entry points, while the south-west and north-west side contain a wooden terrace and a built in barbecue stove. the corresponding levels each serve a different function; the open-plan ground floor is intended for daily activities, the first floor serves leisure and entertainment functions, and the basement accommodates storage and technical areas and also a swimming pool. the middle volume is divided into two sections, providing a separate, more private zone for the owners with large windows and views out to the landscape.

the main approach has two entry points from the building’s eastern side

the elevations are almost identical, with each following the same pattern

the floor levels all serve a different function

the exterior cladding is made from natural wood and is in contrast to the exposed concrete on the inside

the gray color and a rough texture of the concrete are balanced by splashes of white walls and bright, wooden floors

large windows open to views of the landscape

the staircase to the roof terrace is made from concrete, wood and wire fencing

swimming pool at the basement

ground floor plan

concept diagram

project info:

architects: marcin kościuch, tomasz osięgłowski / ultra architects
cooperation: łukasz piszczałka, marta perlik-napierała
year of construction: 2013
area: 470 m²
photographs: jeremi buczkowski

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