Peter Kuczia Architect

CO2 Saver House

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

CO2 SAVER HOUSE

Peter Kuczia

ARCHITECTS
Peter Kuczia

AREA
175.0 m2

YEAR
2007

LOCATION
Pszczyna County , Poland

CATEGORY
Houses

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

Text description provided by architect.

Using untreated larch wood and black fibre cement panels to optimise solar energy gain, this lake house in Poland is a pretty good example of how to be sustainable and respectful with the environment.

This sustainable house - like a chameleon - blends with its surrounding area on Laka Lake in south of Poland.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

Colourful planks within the timber façade reflect the tones of the rural landscape. The window reveals with fibre cement cladding, frame images of the countryside.

Analogical to the most creatures, the building is outside symmetrical, although the internal zones are arranged asymmetrically according to function.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

The built form is designed to optimise the absorbance of solar energy. Approximately 80% of the building envelope is facing south direction.

The single storey living space on the ground floor is externally clad with untreated larch boarding. Solar energy is gained there by the set-in glazed patio.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

Solar collection panels are located on the roof and a photovoltaic system is planed for the future.

The dark facade of the "black box" - a three storey structure clad with charcoal coloured fibre cement panels - is warmed by the sun, reducing heat loss to the environment.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

The passive and active solar energy concepts and a high standard of thermal insulation are enhanced by a ventilation plant with thermal recovery system. 

The house consumes only about 1/10 of the average energy use of the existing single-family houses in Poland.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia
CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia

The design of the project was determinated by the twin goals of low lifecycle costs and a reduction in construction costs.

All details are simple, but well thought out. The house did not cost more than a conventional one in Poland.

Cost-savings were made by the application of traditional building techniques and the use of local materials and recycled building elements.

CO2 Saver House
© Peter Kuczia


CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House


CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House


CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House


CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House
CO2 Saver House


CO2 Saver House

Peter Kuczia Architect
T +49 163 9295050
Peter Kuczia Architect
Osningstraße 34, 49082 Osnabrück, Germany