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D115 – THIO HOUSE
Architecture, Gardens
THIO is a contemporary hillside house located in Swoszowice, a district of Kraków in the Małopolska region of Poland. Designed as an integration of architecture and landscape design, the project takes advantage of the natural elevation of the site to establish a calm yet commanding architectural presence.
As a result, the house rises above the surrounding terrain and opens wide views across the landscape. Meanwhile, its simple geometry and traditional roof line create a restrained architectural composition in which proportion, topography and landscape become the primary elements shaping the architecture.
THIO HOUSE
D115
LOCATION
Cracow, Poland
Design
2026
Construction
In development
SQ.M.
200
Scope of Work
Architecture and Landscape Design
LOCATION
Cracow, Poland
Design
2026
Construction
In development
SQ.M.
200
Scope of Work
Architecture and Landscape Design
This Project
is Awarded
The client approached the studio with the intention of building a house on a unique plot historically associated with a medieval sulfur mine. The terrain features an elevation difference of nearly ten meters, creating the opportunity to place the house at the highest point of the site in order to obtain wide views and ensure privacy.
THE IDEA
THE IDEA
The design strategy focused on using the natural topography of the site. The new house was positioned in the place of an existing building, which proved to be the most advantageous location. From this elevated point the architecture gains a monumental presence despite the simplicity of its form.
The design strategy focused on using the natural topography of the site. The new house was positioned in the place of an existing building, which proved to be the most advantageous location. From this elevated point the architecture gains a monumental presence despite the simplicity of its form.
The house is composed of two clearly defined volumes connected by a central circulation axis. The main volume contains the living area and secondary bedrooms, while the side volume accommodates the private master suite. This arrangement creates a clear functional structure and hierarchy of spaces.
Concept +
Design Principles
Design Principles
The sequence of arrival begins at the entrance gate and driveway, leading to a detached two-car garage with a flat roof. From this level a series of cantilevered stairs guide the visitor upward through the landscape to the northern terrace and the main entrance to the house.
Interior +
Atmosphere
The interiors are organized around clear functional zones and long visual axes connecting the house with the surrounding garden. The living space opens toward the southern landscape, while the master bedroom enjoys both southern views and direct access to the shaded northern terrace.
The northern terrace becomes a sheltered outdoor room surrounded by mature greenery. During the hottest summer days it offers a cool and quiet retreat connected directly to the interior spaces of the house.
The building is designed in reinforced concrete technology with ventilated cladding made of large-format sintered panels. This solution ensures durability of the building envelope while improving thermal performance.
Under Construction +
Behind the Schenes
Realization +
Final Effect
THIO is an architecture defined not by formal complexity but by position, proportion, and calm presence within the landscape. Rising above the surrounding neighborhood, the house becomes a quiet yet monumental residence rooted in the character of the terrain.
Lead Architect
Przemysław Cepielik
Architecture Team
Kinga Krakowska I Luiza Grzegółka
Structural Design
Bartłomiej Przeczek
Building Installations
Marta Słowik — Pro Wik Projekt
Architectural Visualizations
George Ryabinin
Our work
is awarded
multiple times