A&A House: Dark Timber Barn Form in Polish Pine Forest

A&A House, a residential project by Rasztawicki Bielinski Architects, has been finalized in a quaint Polish town, nestled within a mature pine grove. The design prioritizes the preservation of the existing woodland and natural terrain, situating the home around the trees instead of clearing the area. This contemporary take on the traditional barn shape features a simple gabled structure clad in dark timber, harmonizing with the forest surroundings. Expansive glazing, including a prominent picture window at the gable, invites the pine canopy inside and floods the interiors with natural light. The main living spaces extend to a timber terrace with an outdoor fireplace for year-round gatherings. Inside, a subdued color scheme of natural timber and light plaster, along with a sculptural kitchen island, defines the open living area. The landscape design emphasizes minimal intervention, retaining existing trees and integrating native plants and ornamental grasses. At night, the dark facade blends into the forest, while warm light emanates from within. The project was captured by photographers Katarzyna Seliga-Wróblewska and Marcin Wróblewski of Fotomohito and submitted to designboom through its DIY feature, edited by Christina Vergopoulou.