Tatra Vacation Houses

In an area located on a gentle Podhale slope with a wide view of the Tatra Mountains panorama along the access road, 5 single-family buildings were designed for recreational and leisure purposes.

The contemporary form, of the designed buildings finds reference in regional architecture, referring to shepherd’s huts forming Sałasiska (complexes of huts), often found in the Tatra mountain pastures where sheep graze. Steep roofs (60°) to protect against strong gusts of wind and strong eaves are a reference to the architecture of the Podhale region, while using modern building technologies and materials, including concrete, reflective glass and light wood.

In the architectural layer, the buildings’ adaptation to the terrain’s relief is achieved in two ways: through the use of a local foundation motif and the use of a diagonal eave line, for the building’s widening and one-story extension overhanging the meadow sloping toward the valley.

The applied, homogeneous external finishing material for wall and roof covering in the form of tanned boards, is reminiscent of the roofs of shacks covered with drapery. The traditional boarding of the gables is replaced by glazing that provides users with an expansive view of the buildings, with the exterior providing planes that reflect the picturesque surroundings. It is in the gables, in the attics, that the living space has been located, providing the best vantage point of each house. Below, the entrance area, sleeping area and garage on the first floor and the recreational area (mini wellness) on the underground floor have been organized.