Polish Riverside Home Blends into Natural Slope, Wins 2025 SARP Award

In a powerful example of nature-conscious architecture, House in the Slope has been awarded the 2025 SARP Award for Single-Family Residential Building by the Association of Polish Architects. The project stood out for its deep sensitivity to the site and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.

A Home Carved into the Riverbank

Located on the bank of the Vistula River in central Poland, the house was designed by Warsaw-based firm 77 Studio. The client carefully selected the plot for its panoramic river views and proximity to untouched vegetation and the city skyline.

Evening view of the glazed façade of House in the Slope built into the hillside — The house glows from within, fully open to the surrounding landscape

From the start, the design team recognized that the home’s relationship with the river would be its most defining element. Rather than aligning the structure with the plot’s boundaries, the architects rotated the building to capture the most striking diagonal views of the river and slope.

Disappearing into the Terrain

Instead of dominating the landscape, the house gently descends into the terrain. The floor level was intentionally lowered, and the building was partially embedded into the slope. This approach allowed the structure to vanish within its natural surroundings, preserving river views for neighbors and minimizing its visual footprint.

Top-down view showcasing the curved pathway leading to the vegetation-covered home — An organic access path flows through greenery to the house’s concealed entrance

To maintain openness without enclosing the property, native wild shrubs were used as natural fencing. This choice further emphasized the home’s dialogue with the environment.

A Quiet Strength

The home’s facade is clad in thick corten steel plates, chosen for their weathered, earthy appearance and structural presence. Even the garage doors were concealed within these panels to maintain the minimalist aesthetic. The result is a form that feels both grounded and durable, yet never intrusive.

Green roof of House in the Slope with panoramic views over the Vistula River — The roof functions as a green extension, visually blending with the horizon

Interior Spaces Framed by Nature

Spanning approximately 450 square meters (4,844 sq ft) on a single level, the house is organized around views. A spacious living room opens to a large terrace through a 12-meter-wide sliding glass door, offering direct access to the river landscape. The layout includes three bedrooms, a kitchen, and service areas — all designed to keep nature constantly in sight.

Subtle Sustainability

While visually understated, the project incorporates a range of sustainable design strategies:

Green roofs
Passive ventilation
Sun-shading elements
Smart energy management to reduce cooling demands

Interior lounge area with direct panoramic views over the Vistula River — Open interior design strengthens the resident’s daily connection to nature

Architectural Recognition

The SARP jury praised the house for its thoughtful response to the site’s topography and its ability to create a strong architectural identity without imposing on the landscape. House in the Slope is now recognized as a benchmark for contemporary architecture that works with — rather than against nature.

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