Zosia's House in Gdańsk – A Minimalist Home by IFA Kamil Domachowski IFAgroup

Zosia's House, designed by IFA Kamil Domachowski IFAgroup, is a contemporary residence located in a quiet single-family housing estate in Gdańsk, Poland. Completed in 2022 with a total area of 275 m², the project emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a strong relationship with its surrounding environment.

Context and Design Philosophy

The residential neighborhood where Zosia's House sits is characterized by diverse architectural forms and aesthetics. To create harmony within this context, the architects drew proportions from the local environment and chose a façade color inspired by the natural tones of the land.

The design deliberately avoids unnecessary ornamentation. Instead, every architectural decision was guided by logic, restraint, and purpose, ensuring the home reflects timeless modernity.

Collaboration with the Homeowner

A unique aspect of this project was the active involvement of the homeowner. The client provided thoughtful guidelines:

• A spacious yet efficient kitchen, dining room, and living room, seamlessly connected without wasted space.
• A street-facing kitchen window for practicality and connection to the neighborhood.
• Terraces as independent “outdoor rooms”, extending the interior experience into nature.
• Thoughtful window design, avoiding overheating while framing views of the sky and greenery.

This collaborative process ensured the house responded not only to its context but also to the personal lifestyle and memories of its resident.

Interior Organization and Spatial Experience

Upon entering Zosia’s House, visitors encounter a hidden bathroom integrated into the stair line, blending functional needs with architectural elegance. The staircase itself becomes a central design feature, doubling as a place of play and memory, inspired by the homeowner’s childhood.

The main living areas are designed to feel open and connected, while also maintaining a sense of intimacy. A family playroom and reading area enrich the central space, reflecting the home’s role as a place of shared life and interaction.

Natural Materials and Finishes

The architects emphasized authenticity and natural finishes throughout the home:

• Sand-cement plaster treated with a transparent solution for texture and durability.
• A ground floor ceiling constructed with raw ceramic blocks in their natural form.
• A resin-based ceramic finish marking the separation of levels, enhancing visual clarity.

These choices celebrate material honesty and allow the house to age gracefully over time.

Light, Views, and Comfort

Window design played a crucial role in shaping the house’s atmosphere. Rather than maximizing glass surfaces, windows were designed as “living paintings”, carefully framing selected views. Some openings direct attention upward toward the sky, while others look downward to the greenery, balancing daylight with energy efficiency.

By controlling sunlight exposure, the home avoids overheating while maintaining comfort throughout the seasons.

Zosia's House by IFA Kamil Domachowski IFAgroup is more than a residence—it is a dialogue between architecture, nature, and memory. Through minimalist design, natural materials, and a sensitive approach to light and space, the project delivers a refined yet personal home in the heart of Gdańsk.

All Photographs are works of   Kroniki.studio Perspektywa