House with a Grotto by Bogusław Barnaś from BXB Studio at the Finale of the World Architecture Festival in Singapore

November 26, 2023

As a testament to Poland's architectural brilliance and innovation, Bogusław Barnaś's Grotto House by BXB Studio was selected as the only Polish house to be selected for the finals of the World Architecture Festival in Singapore (#WAF23). This is a remarkable distinction for a project that stands out as one of the most intelligent, ecological, innovative, and structurally and technologically complex houses designed by BXB Studio, according to Bogusław Barnaś himself.

Together with Wienerberger and Multiko, BXB Studio will compete for the title of the best building in the world during the WAF 2023 finals.

The Mystery of the Grotto House

Why was the Grotto House the only Polish house to make it to the finals of the World Architecture Festival? Here are some fascinating facts about this unique project:

1. Inspiration from the Wawel Dragon:

The House with a Grotto draws inspiration from the legend of the Wawel Dragon. Located near the Wolski Forest and designed on a plot overgrown with ferns, this building combines modern design with the spirit of the Wawel Dragon legend and the ideal of ecological and sustainable architecture.

2. Two Gardens:

The Grotto House was designed with two gardens in mind – one in the Grotto beneath the building and the other on the roof, which resembles a rolling meadow.

3. Dragon Facade and Dragon Eye:

The building's façade is clad in parametrically formed brick, reminiscent of dragon scales. The Wienerberger ceramics used in the design also reference Krakow's tradition, where brick has shaped many historic buildings. The design includes not only panoramic glazing but also a surreal glass-enclosed pool, reminiscent of the extraordinary Dragon's Eye.

4. Innovative Entrance Portal:

The designer proposed a unique entrance portal, inspired by traditional building entrance design. This portal serves not only a representative function but also fulfills additional roles, such as forming a forest garden, roofing the entrance area, and utilizing air circulation through an external chimney that ventilates the building.

5. Ventilation Stack:

The distinctive ventilation chimney on the façade, called the "wave facade chimney", serves many functions, including protection from sunlight and supporting the building's natural ventilation.

6. Observation Deck:

At the top of the building, a viewing terrace levitates above the meadow, requiring no railing while maintaining complete safety. It's the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of Krakow.

7. Intimate Cottages:

The design includes the living area of the house, dominated by modern, glass interiors, and the first floor, where the spaces resemble cozy cottages with gabled roof vaults.

8. Daylight in the Cellars:

The house is equipped with an elevator that connects all above-ground and underground levels. Interestingly, the architects brought daylight to the underground levels through specially formed, glazed light wells.

9. Ecological Innovations:

The project utilizes the latest intelligent systems, ensuring optimal energy efficiency while respecting the environment. Solutions such as geothermal energy, rainwater harvesting, heat pumps, natural ventilation, and solar energy have been implemented.

10. Innovative Access:

The design incorporates a tunnel leading into the building's interior, ensuring optimal accessibility on the steep slope and eliminating accessibility issues. This innovative solution also allows for a larger green area on the plot.

11. Biophilic Design and Local Tradition:

The Grotto House is an inextricably linked blend of modern design and eco-friendly elements. The design also draws on local traditions and the principles of sustainable development.

12th World Architecture Festival:

The World Architecture Festival is a prestigious event where architects from around the world present their projects. Poland is proudly represented by the Grotto House and other outstanding projects. The festival finale will take place from November 29 to December 1, 2023, at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Bogusław Barnaś's House with a Grotto by BXB Studio is a project that combines creativity, innovation, and ecology, representing a worthy representative of Polish architectural excellence on the global stage. At the finals of the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for this exceptional house, which could win the title of best building in the world.