Pendulum Magazine

View Original

SLOW LIFE FOREST HOUSE || This Sycowa Huta's Home Is Where Elegance Meets Untamed Nature

Nestled among the whispering pines and serene Kashubian lakes of Sycowa Huta, Pomorskie, lies a hidden gem of architectural delight—a holiday home where every corner highlights the meticulous design inspired by the essence of nature and the functionality of modern living.

The Slow Life Forest House, as envisioned by Jan Sikora of Sikora Interiors, stands as a testament to the extraordinary, where the conventional barriers of interior design dissolve into the lush Polish landscape.

Upon arrival, the home welcomes you with its uniquely Swedish green façade—the perfect shade of green to add charm and character. This colour, plucked from the palette of Swedish heritage, marries the home to its forested backdrop, allowing it to become one with the surrounding greenery. As one takes the first steps inside, the warmth of wood and the sophistication of modern craftsmanship become apparent—the integration of Sikora's inspired vision.

The home exterior is painted in a Swedish green that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

The living area with vaulted ceilings echoes Le Corbusier's principles of open space, offering a sense of freedom and grandeur. With its carefully angled beams, the lofted mezzanine overlooks a harmonious blend of the classic and the contemporary. The Dedo Lounge chair by Gazzda and the whimsical moon-shaped lamp by Seletti are not just pieces of furniture but characters in this design story, each adding its narrative of comfort and style.

The lofted mezzanine overlooks the contemporary living area.

The kitchen design effortlessly brings together elements of nature and modernity.

In the kitchen, the functionality blossoms with a flair of discreet innovation. Sikora's thoughtful approach brings forth shallow shelves—practical solutions for daily essentials—melded into the walls with a finesse that conceals their presence. The irregular wooden tabletop and the minimalist lines of the Gorenje refrigerator juxtapose the timeless with the modern, creating a culinary sanctuary that is both a joy to behold and a pleasure to use.

The bedrooms, minimalist sanctuaries intended for rest, reflect the philosophy that true luxury lies in the quality of experiences rather than the expanse of space. Here, the subdued interiors' calmness and the tactile materials' coziness provide a retreat from the world—a place to reconnect with oneself and nature.

A circular frame capturing the beautiful sights beyond the window makes for a comfortable resting quarter.

Stepping outside, the terrace unfolds as a stage for the elements, hosting a traditional wood-fired hot tub, a sauna, and a fire pit. Here, one can indulge in the sensory spectacle of a live fire, the refreshing coolness of summer baths, and the immersive warmth of evenings spent under the stars. The table, crafted from reclaimed beams, is not just a dining surface but a symbol of Sikora's commitment to sustainability and historical reverence.

Sikora's integration of smart home technologies—powered by kilometres of hidden cabling—offers control at the fingertips, combining the rustic charm of the forest with the convenience of the digital age. This seamless blend of the natural with the technological enhances the home experience without detracting from its woodland soul.

Kitchen table detail.

The Sycowa Huta project is not just a home but a cultural statement that breaks aesthetic barriers and sets new living standards. Sikora’s thoughtful updates and additions to the home paint a picture of innovative design, reflecting a lifestyle that cherishes intimacy, family values, and a symbiosis with nature—a trend that is joyfully taking root in Poland.

As Sikora himself muses, the true essence of architecture and comfort is not confined to square meters but to the ability to nurture family bonds and create an atmosphere that is genuinely home. In this forest house, every detail, from the picturesque window muntins to the Levitate lamps by Menu, tells a story of a home that is not just built, but is lovingly crafted—a haven where the spirit of the past meets the innovation of the future.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Sycowa Huta, Pomorskie, Poland

Team: Sikora Interiors

Project Size: 120 m2

Site Size: 700 m2

Project Budget: USD 400,000

Completion Date: 2023

Building Levels: 1

Photography: Tom Kurek