New Canopied House

This project is inspired by the traditional architecture of the Vistula Delta, presented in a minimalist form. The building’s shape refers to the archetype of the canopied house, but the canopy itself has been designed in a modern way, utilizing contemporary architectural possibilities.

In contrast to its traditional function and form, the canopy in this design serves as a support, seemingly suspended in space, yet visually appearing to be firmly anchored to the brick mass, positioned perpendicularly to the archetypal form of the modern barn. The overhang shields the most important space of the house—the shared living area—just as historical canopies did. Large windows offer protection from the weather outside while maintaining an unobstructed visual connection with the surroundings.

The subtle rhythm of the vertical wooden slats, visible from a distance, creates the illusion that they are supporting the canopy, while simultaneously functioning as sunshades, protecting the living room from excessive sunlight. This is a reinterpretation of traditional canopies, which served as inviting, open spaces, while also providing shelter from the elements. The modern version of the canopy in this project retains these same functions, connecting the interior with the exterior in a contemporary way.

The color composition of the facades is based on a contrast of tones. A light, sandy hue of the brick is used for the ground floor, perpendicular to the dark, almost black, charred timber cladding of the archetypal barn form. This contrast is carried into the interior, where the burnt wood reveals a depth of brown transitioning to graphite that shimmers in the sunlight, while the white bricks subtly shift to sandy tones. The light form is complemented by accents of wooden slats and window frames in a natural, light wood color. This composition draws from the traditional, functional design of canopied houses. It creates a harmonious space, inspired by the landscape and history of the Vistula Delta.

Project: 2014–2015
Status: Conceptual design
Usable area: approx. 230 m²
Location: Żuławy Gdańskie, Poland
Author: Andrzej Niegrzybowski