The Cave House

BXB studio Bogusław Barnaś

Short description

The Cave House is an architecturally unique and innovative building that integrates ecological and biophilic design principles, emphasizing human well-being. It harmoniously combines modern design, eco elements, local tradition, and sustainable development principles. Inspired by the legend of the Wawel Dragon, the house will be situated on a fern-covered plot near the Wolski Forest, offering panoramic views of Krakow.

Access to the house is through a tunnel, minimizing driveway issues and creating a larger green area by hiding infrastructure underground. Walking access to the southern facade is provided via a natural, green route beneath the building's overhanging structure, creating an inter-storey, shaded forest landscape known as The Cave.

The main entrance of the house incorporates a modern portal that serves multiple functions, including forming and lighting the forest garden, roofing the entrance zone, acting as a static ballast, and facilitating air circulation. The undulating shap e of the entrance portal, referred to as the ventilation chimney, creates an open two-level space inside the house, resembling a contemporary spatial sculpture. A representative staircase leads to the first floor and a multi-hipped, zig-zag green roof covered with a flower meadow, further maximizing the green area.

The top of the building features an observation deck that levitates over the garden, offering unobstructed views of Krakow and the Wolski Forest. The terrace has a discreetly hidden solar farm integrated into the zig-zag meadow.

The Cave space beneath the house features a surreal glazing called the Dragon's Eye, connecting the garden with the internal swimming pool.

The facade of the main block will be composed of dynamically laid bricks resembling the scales of the Wawel Dragon, paying homage to Krakow's architectural heritage.

The Cave House represents a highly intelligent, ecological, and technologically advanced blending harmoniously with the natural environment and providing a unique living experience.