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Mariusz Wrzeszcz completes house in Poland with cedar walls inside and out

Architects office Mariusz Wrzeszcz has completed a single-storey house in Poland featuring cedar-clad walls, and a glazed living room that opens out to a spacious terrace (+ slideshow).

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

The Polish firm designed the house for a single client, in a quiet, residential area. Called Cedar House, it is clad almost entirely in cedar boards.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

The street-facing facade is mostly closed off with a single window, a garage and a small glass front door.

But a path leads to the rear of the building, where large gaps reveal a glazed living room, framed by a terrace that faces out onto the garden.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

Here, Mariusz Wrzeszcz intended the house's single level to connect with the surroundings through big glass doors.

"The front side of the building has a simple, compact and closed facade," said the studio. "[But] the garden facade is open and blending with the nature."

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

"It was designed on a single level to make the house easily accessible for a single owner," added the team. "Without any stairs it creates a seamless connection with the terrace and garden."

Residential architecture: Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz in Poland

The outdoor platform is partially sheltered from above by louvres which have lights attached, illuminating the spaces at night.

Like the exterior, the living room is lined with cedar wood. A fireplace is suspended from the roof, which is double height to satisfy local planning requirements.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

"The height difference was designed to meet the requirements for minimal building height imposed by the local planing authority," the studio told Dezeen.

"Our client was determined to have a single-storey house, so we had to design at least one room with increased height," it said.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

The open-plan living space extends through to a kitchen, but the ceiling steps down and the cedar surfaces are replaced with white-painted walls, helping to differentiate the two spaces.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

Other cedar details still feature throughout the house, as flooring and joinery. For example, the kitchen is primarily white but has a cedar table that juts out from one of the counters.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

The studio also used cedar in the master bathroom, to cover the inside of a spacious shower room and for cabinetry.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

The east-west orientation of the building takes advantage of sunlight on the open property.

The east-facing bedroom is illuminated at the beginning of the day, while the glazed living space faces west to take in the afternoon and evening light.

Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland

"The house is full of peace, serenity and internal balance," added the team.

Photography is by Przemysław Turlej.


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Project credits:

Architecture: Mariusz Wrzeszcz Office
Architects in charge: Mariusz Wrzeszcz, Jan Celichowski
Interior design: BARchitecture Office

Site plan of Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland
Site plan – click for larger image
Plan of Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland
Floor plan – click for larger image
Section of Cedar House by Pracownia Projektowa Mariusz Wrzeszcz, a residential architecture project in Poland
Section – click for larger image