mobius architekci has built‘circle wood’, a circular residence clad in okume wood that blends into its pine forest surroundings in poland. led by founder przemyslaw olczyk, the warsaw-based studio has designed the house to resemble a large piece of a tree trunk. on its exterior, the 400 sqm building is complete with an overhanging oval frame that encloses the garage and an open spa area in a harmonious circle.
images by pawel ulatowski
located deep within a pine forest in izabelin, the circular dwelling by mobius architekci organically blends into the natural surroundings thanks to its oval form, material and color palette. the reinforced concrete structure is clad in elegant and knotless panels of okume wood, sourced from west africa. being in direct contact with nature means that the house changes depending on the weather, time of day and year.
‘I thought of the house as a big piece of a tree trunk,’ says przemek olczyk, lead architect and founder of mobius architekci. ‘designing through reduction looked like hewing pockets of rooms and cosy, semi-private, glazed alcoves into the wood. consequently, users can feel as if they are continuously strolling through the trees. it is full of glazing that blurs the boundaries. the plot offers the freedom, or rather intimacy of communing with nature and architecture.’
‘circle wood’is designed for an art lover and collector, who did not wish to hide away from the surroundings, enveloped by the kampinos national park. the space inside is reminiscent of a private art gallery, sensitive to the beauty of nature and designed in harmony with it. soaring high into the sky, a central atrium brings in daylight and forest views within the interior. spacious glazing and a selection of natural materials also enhance the home’s connection to the surrounding landscape.
mobius architekci has designed a ribbon-like, white sculptural staircase for the home’s interior – developed in itself as an artistic element of the building’s architecture. the other rooms are characterized by a sophisticated play with natural materials and attention to detail. the alcoves cut out in the huge trunk allow for clear zoning of individual functions, ensuring a sense of privacy and contact with the surrounding nature.
project info:
name: circle wood
architect: przemyslaw olczyk mobius architekci
floor area: 400 sqm
year: 2020
