From the Garden House: Green Luxury on Poland's sweeping highlands

In 2009, renowned Polish Architectural firm KWK Promes was presented with an unusual challenge: to design a building within the context of an existing garden; to create a modern structure that looked at home in nature, while maintaining the client’s contemporary design aesthetic. 

The result was the celebrated “From the Garden House.” A delicate balance of geometric shapes and organic curves within the sweeping vista of Poland’s highlands. 

"Having the garden as our starting point, we created a kind of background architecture, which functions in full symbiosis with nature, becoming part of the ecosystem. The house intertwines with the greenery, uses energy from the environment and its renewable sources, but also gives it back to the environment. The architecture lives in full harmony with nature." ( KWK Promes website)

To support the sustainability goals of the client, the architects chose cork based Decork Facade (as seen on the second story). Decork's sustainable and non-toxic finish that not only looks beautiful but provides insulation - crucial in Poland’s harsh winters. 

Much like Canada, Poland has extreme temperatures which can crack and fade traditional cladding. Decork provides high flexibility to reduce cracking and only fades at a rate of 1% per year (paint fades at up to 10% per year).

Decork's ability to provide insulation is also just as important in Poland as in Canada. Comprised of nearly 90% air, cork coatings offer incredible temperature and sound insulation.

Read more about Decork's many benefits.

You can read more about KWK Promes design in the influential design and architecture magazine, The Plan.