PERISCOPE | MUS ARCHITECTS

The designed single-family house is located in Zarzecze by the Żywiec Lake.

The plot is situated in a beautiful location with mountain views and in close proximity to the water (about 100m to the shoreline).

However, due to the fact that the study area is low and the water reservoir is surrounded by an earth embankment, the plot does not have a direct view of the lake. Therefore, one of the key design assumptions was the desire to solve this problem, look over the "obstacle" and get a view of the Żywieckie Lake.

IDEA

The aim of the designed architecture is, among other things, to obtain a view of the Żywieckie Lake. Literally "a look" over the obstacle, which is the earth embankment standing between the study area and the view.

Conceptually, we decided to refer to the tool used for the above-mentioned purposes, which is the periscope.

The periscope is an optical device used to observe objects outside the observer's field of view or hidden by obstacles, while the house by the lake designed by us is an architectural interpretation of the function and form of the periscope.

FUNCTIONAL PROGRAM

The functional program of the house has been spread over three levels in an inverted diagram.

We decided to lift the living area as high as possible in such a way as to ensure a view over the embankment line - a view of the lake and its opposite shore.

On the ground floor there is an entrance area with a hall, a double garage and a spa area with direct access to the garden in the western part of the plot. On the first floor there is the entire night area - rooms and a bathroom. On the top floor there is a living room with a dining room, a kitchen and a small toilet. The living area is located entirely above the embankment, thanks to which we obtained a wide panoramic view of the water reservoir.

Thanks to the use of a thin-profile window joinery system, we can almost completely open to the view, blurring the barrier between the inside and outside.

On the side of the body there is a separate staircase connecting all floors. In addition, a small goods lift is located in the garage, enabling the transport of purchases and goods directly to the kitchen located on the living level of the house.

SUMMARY

The house is a reflection of the conceptual and functional assumptions. The modern, integrated and coherent shape creates a recognizable sign in space, "Periscope", which allows you to look further and see more.

The designed space allows recreation and admiring the surroundings on many levels - from the terraces next to the rooms in the private part, and - which is the greatest value obtained as a result of the design process, from a large living area raised above the embankment line surrounding the lake.