Nowa Wieś Lęborska

A Sustainable Forest Retreat Rooted in Landscape and Tradition

Nestled within a carefully cultivated seven-hectare woodland in Nowa Wieś Lęborska, Poland, Forest House (Dom Las) by Studio Onu is a powerful example of sustainable architecture, vernacular reinterpretation, and contextual residential design.

The story of this modern forest house began 25 years ago when the client purchased an empty field near his hometown. Over decades, through attentive silviculture, selective thinning, and thoughtful planting of pine and birch trees, the barren land transformed into a thriving, biodiverse landscape reflective of northern Poland’s native ecology. The architecture responds directly to this long-term environmental stewardship.

Vernacular Kashubian Architecture Reimagined

Inspired by the rich building traditions of the Kashubia region, Forest House blends local craftsmanship, regional materials, and contemporary minimalism. The project consists of two complementary volumes that support both land management activities and occasional family retreats.

Rather than imposing on the environment, the buildings sit quietly within the woodland, creating a dialogue between:

• Traditional Polish rural architecture
• Sustainable material selection
• Modern spatial planning
• Forest-integrated residential design

This approach positions Forest House as a refined example of contextual architecture in Poland.

Natural Materials and Sustainable Construction

Sustainability drives every design decision. The house utilizes:

• Locally sourced pinewood for structure and bespoke furniture
• Regional brickwork reflecting the soil tones of the land
• Zinc roofing systems by RHEINZINK using prePATINA ECO ZINC finish
• Handcrafted metal shutters made by local artisans

The pinewood structure visually extends the surrounding forest into the interior, creating continuity between inside and outside. Meanwhile, the brick façade incorporates subtle ornamentation inspired by Kashubian embroidery, music, and folk traditions — offering a modern reinterpretation of heritage detailing.

The Hearth as the Architectural Core

At the literal and symbolic center of the house lies the fireplace — a reference to the traditional Polish hearth as the heart of domestic life. Every primary interior space frames views toward this central element, reinforcing warmth, gathering, and familial connection.

Large windows open to curated forest vistas, balancing inward intimacy with outward openness. The interior palette reflects the surrounding pines through muted greens and glazed ceramic tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, strengthening the dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Continuity

Kashubia is renowned for skilled craftspeople, and Forest House celebrates this legacy. Decorative metal shutters filter natural light while protecting against harsh weather conditions. Custom-designed dining and coffee tables reinterpret traditional turned-wood furniture into contemporary forms.

The integration of inherited family heirlooms further deepens the narrative of continuity — connecting past generations to the present through design. A large tapestry featuring poppies echoes wildflowers emerging in the surrounding grassland, symbolizing renewal and growth.

A Contemporary Forest Home with Deep Roots

Forest House by Studio Onu is more than a 100 m² retreat — it is a long-term vision of adaptive landscape architecture, sustainable residential design, and cultural preservation. Through local materials, environmental sensitivity, and refined craftsmanship, the project demonstrates how modern architecture can honor both land and legacy.

All the photographs are works of  Martyna Rudnicka