Shepherd’s Hut

Nestled on the scenic Stylchyn Peninsula in southern Poland, the Shepherd’s Hut stands as a refined homage to the architectural heritage of the region. The site itself is steeped in history - surrounded by preserved 19th- and early 20th-century wooden villas, rural farmsteads, and brick cellars with granaries rescued from flooding. The cottage overlooks Lake Czorsztyn, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the medieval castles of Czorsztyn and Niedzica.
This intimate house blends the tradition of pastoral mountain architecture with contemporary form and advanced construction techniques. Its compact yet expressive form responds to the sloping terrain, which opens the building towards the lake with wide glass surfaces, while the entrance façade remains modest and windowless - intentionally creating a contrast of openness and privacy. This duality not only respects the rhythm of the land but also accentuates the natural beauty that envelops the building.
The project’s main material is wood, reflecting both environmental sensitivity and a deep connection to local building culture. The roof and facade are clad in hand-laid aspen wood shingles, while the entrance door and much of the interior are constructed from aged timber sourced locally and chosen for its texture and patina. A characteristic stone foundation, typical of regional mountain buildings, grounds the structure and evokes the language of historic shepherd huts.
Inside, the design is a restrained yet warm composition of greys, blacks, and natural wood tones. Custom furniture designed by the architects features simplified folk patterns, laser-cut motifs, and decorative carvings echoing local traditions. These elements appear repeatedly -on doors, furniture, and staircases - creating visual continuity and a sense of cultural layering. The kitchen’s graphic accents reinterpret regional lacework in a minimalist key, forming a thoughtful dialogue between past and present.
The Shepherd’s Hut is not just a house, but a contemporary reflection of its setting an architectural gesture that embraces local history, material honesty, and the power of context. Through the seamless integration of heritage-inspired detailing and modern architectural clarity, the project offers a poetic living experience rooted in place and memory.