barn typology and modernism meet in residential project in poland

polish house by MEEKO stands Between modernism & archetype

MEEKO Architects completes the construction of a single-family house near Mielec, Poland, forming a sophisticated combination of tradition and modernity. First shared on designboom in 2018, the project explores the architectural expression that meets between the archetypal form of a barn with a gable roof and the contemporary and minimalistic approach of a residential building. The structure shapes a cubed solid on the ground floor supporting the typical triangular covering. The main two parts of the house differ not only in terms of color, shape, and finishing materials, but also function.

The durable standing seam sheet of anthracite ‘Ruukki Classic’ in the upper part of the building fits seamlessly with the geometry of the house, while the simple gable roof and the facade are covered with sheet metal giving a uniform impression. The color differentiates between the volumes, with the ground floor standing out in white, and the barn-like form balancing the house’s appearance in dark hues echoing the warm tones of the cedar boards and the window frames. A large roofed terrace is located in a corner niche of the ground level in ideal southwestern exposure. The covered terrace serves as an outdoor extension of both the kitchen and the dining room in the living area.

view of the house from the garden presents a dialogue of two forms | all images by ONI Studio – Maciej Jeżyk

the interior layout splits public & private uses in two levels

The interior of the house includes various advanced technical features and the room layout is designed according to the users’ preferences. The ground floor arranges the common functions of a kitchen, a separate dining room, a hidden pantry, a study, a bathroom, and a spacious living room with a fireplace. A covered terrace placed in the corner of the volume stands as an extension of the dining and living room. The upper floor assembles the private spaces with children’s bedrooms, a master bedroom including a separate dressing room, as well as two bathrooms and a laundry room. Laying on top of the flatroof the design group shapes two separate terraces to increase comfort and attain maximum use of the outdoor area.

Modern technology applied in the construction allows the control of energy consumption, while the implementation of intelligent systems retains efficiency throughout the volume. A carefully planned garden completes the design distributing natural plantation, such as perennials and trees. The project aims for the design of an elegant residential building that forms a hybrid structure merging a barn and a modernist solid, but, also, meets the needs of everyday living.

the main entrance and kitchen corner window