Broken House / KWK PROMES

Dec 2008

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses , Selected , Poland, Ramps, Steel

Architects: KWK PROMES
Location: Katowice, Poland
Project Architect: Robert Konieczny, Marlena Wolnik
Structural Engineer: Jaroslaw Kaminski
Design Year: 2000
Construction Year: 2001-2002
Site Area: 3,500 sqm
Constructed Area: 330 sqm
Photographs: KWK PROMES

The building is located on the outskirts of Katowice, near a forest, on land deteriorated by 4th category mining damage, where tectonic faults are a possibility. Hence the connotation of uplifted layers of soil, interwoven with one another, which was the inspiration for the form of the house.

Its structural design comprises rectangular solids contrasting with the ribbon – like structure which winds around them after it emerges from the ground. It is the leitmotif of the building, combining a variety of functions: starting with the swimming pool to the living room with a fireplace and then to the bedroom upstairs. A noteworthy feature of the ramp is elimination of stoops. Such a solution was achieved by bending the surface of the course, which made it possible to keep its outer edges straight, without bends typical for such structures.

: site plan

: ground floor plan

: first floor plan

: section 01

: section 02

: section 03

: design idea diagram

: ramp construction diagram

9 comments »

Contemporary Art says:

I think this ramp design is really interesting. I like the idea that you perceive the space from above before decending into it. The space looks like a very pleasent one to be in.
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http://www.contemporaryartdaily.com

# December 30, 2008 at 18:54

musser says:

I agree with ContempArt… I can imagine how a conversation might begin between a visitor and the occupant and almost conclude by the time they reach the ramp’s end. It’s a nice way to slow ourselves down a bit… fading into a human interaction. Within one’s own home, this makes it possible to reconstruct the experience of seeing an old friend from across the plaza and enjoying their approach before they arrive. I think the architects are tuned in to the needs of humanity within a structure.

# December 30, 2008 at 19:42

fino says:

Just doesn’t feel or like home to me. It would be the perfect studio for most, but not a home. Some contemporary architects are capable of understanding this, and I think others totally miss it.

# December 30, 2008 at 22:52

PaoloS says: