Lake House, Kownatki | Poland

On the shores of Lake Kownatki in the Masuria region of Poland, the Lake House, designed by the architectural practice Archmondo, offers a contemporary interpretation of the archetypal regional gabled-roof house. The holiday home blends minimalist architecture with the surrounding forest and lakeside landscape, creating a place where nature, light and tranquillity define everyday life.

The design aims to combine the qualities of a spacious holiday home with a clear, understated architectural language, whilst consistently placing the connection to the landscape at the centre of the design. The clearly structured building envelope, comprising vertical timber cladding, aluminium and a standing seam roof, is consistently carried through into the interior. Exposed concrete meets light-coloured spruce and ash surfaces, whilst floor-to-ceiling glazing blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. At the heart of the house is the two-storey living area with a fireplace, which combines the kitchen, dining area and terrace into a single open-plan living space. Generous sliding doors and delicate window frames offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and allow daylight to penetrate deep into the building. This creates fluid transitions between the living area, terrace and garden, closely integrating the house with its natural surroundings.

The floor plan combines communal living with private retreats. Three bedrooms on the ground floor and a further sleeping area on the mezzanine provide space for families and guests alike. The open-plan mezzanine can be used flexibly as an additional living, working or play area and emphasises the spacious character of the house. The minimalist design deliberately avoids decorative embellishments, focusing instead on natural materials, balanced proportions and a tranquil atmosphere that prioritises relaxation and a slower pace of life. With their clean lines, the switches and sockets from the LS 990 series in white complement the minimalist architecture and become a natural part of the interior.