steep-sloped metal roofs crown residential units in poland resembling nest boxes

Superhelix ‘Nest boxes’ project stands in Zakopane

Superhelix Studio builds ‘Nest box’ houses in Zakopane, a scenic resort town in southern Poland that overlooks the most iconic peak of the Tatra Mountains, Giewont. Standing on a steep sloping plot, the structures are arranged close to each other to avoid large height differences and the property’s boundaries form a very irregular plot. The project’s main objective is to create a development that respects the unique characteristics of the location.

The design draws from local traditional architecture and aligns with the mountain climate’s requirements. The roof slopes are very steep, which allows for quick disposal of snow. Large eaves protect the balconies against rain and the entrance and ground floor walls against snowdrifts. Thanks to the undercut, the overhangs retain their functionality, taking less space and providing better access to the sunlight in the winter. The roofing applies standing seam metal cladding, a material strongly associated with the region. The black volumes, detached from the ground, resemble bird feeders or nest boxes, hence the name of the buildings. 

metalic gabled roofs stand atop curved glazed plinths

The design team arranges the living area on the ground floor to make the best use of the view of the Tatra mountains. The corners of the buildings are completely glazed to achieve panoramic outlooks. The glass surfaces are curved to remove mullions or any connecting elements and form a smooth unobstructed sequence. The overhanging of the upper floor, balcony, and eaves create a terrace canopy, enlarging the living area and blurring the boundary between inside and outside. The sleeping area is located on the remaining two floors. Each unit covers an area of 128 sqm.

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project info:

name: Nest boxes houses
architect: Superhelix – Pracownia Projektowa Bartłomiej Drabik | @superhelix.pracownia

location: Zakopane, Poland

photography: Bartłomiej Drabik

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