On a peninsula surrounded by a vast lake, in a setting that feels almost surreal, designers from NOKE have created a unique architectural project. In this intimate complex of holiday homes, they propose an alternative to the popular barn-style house, blending traditional Masurian materials, forms, and – above all – proportions with modern prefabricated timber technology. Every detail, down to the interiors, has been meticulously refined.

Pasym is a town straight out of a postcard. Above its red rooftops rise the spires of churches and the town hall, while the reflections of its charming panorama dance across the surfaces of three lakes. The best views can be found on the expansive Ostrów peninsula, which stretches deep into Lake Kalwa, the largest of them. It is here, at the very tip of the peninsula, that a new Masurian settlement has emerged – deeply rooted in tradition yet revolutionary in several ways.

"Our aim was to redefine the Masurian homestead – creating a house that seamlessly blends with the landscape, built from natural materials and in harmony with the region’s architectural traditions," says Karol Pasternak of NOKE. "We sought an alternative to the widely popular barn-style house in Poland, which often towers above its surroundings and feels detached from its environment," adds Piotr Maciaszek. The result is a collection of homes deeply rooted in local heritage, effortlessly integrated into both the natural and cultural landscape – while remaining unmistakably modern.

A thoughtful plan: urban design
A visionary and ambitious investor laid the groundwork for this project. "Inspired by international developments, he made the bold choice not just to sell empty plots but to offer fully designed, ready-to-live-in homes. He recognized that such an approach could set a lasting precedent, guiding future developments even beyond his direct influence. His goal was to create a cohesive, harmonious built environment in this extraordinary location," explains Karol Pasternak.

The vast site was divided into nine spacious plots, each around 3,000 square meters, arranged around restored and newly designed ponds. The layout was carefully planned to ensure generous spacing between homes while positioning them on elevated terrain. This thoughtful arrangement provides each house with an optimal setting, including a balcony that overlooks the shimmering expanse of Lake Kalwa.

With its loose, open development pattern – more akin to exclusive countryside retreats than standard vacation cottages – the project offers an ideal sanctuary for relaxation. It feels blissfully removed from noise and crowds, yet remains conveniently close to modern amenities. Most importantly, it immerses residents in nature, in breathtaking proximity to one of Masuria’s most stunning lakes.

A new archetype: architecture
Both the proportions and character of the building were shaped by a deep analysis of traditional Masurian farmsteads. Their typical elements – a house, stable, cowshed, and barn – have been reimagined as interconnected volumes, forming a cohesive yet dynamic whole. The result is a multi-section structure that feels both contemporary and familiar, with carefully considered proportions (including the relationship between walls and roof as well as the slope of the rooflines) and materials that echo the region’s architectural heritage. 

Each section of the house serves a specific function. The top floor houses two bathrooms, a kitchen, a utility room, and a staircase leading to a mezzanine – a flexible space that can function as a workspace or guest area. The wing adjacent to the kitchen contains the main living area, with an entrance hall, wardrobe, and an expansive living room. On the opposite side, next to a large bathroom, is the sleeping wing with two bedrooms. The thoughtful separation of these zones ensures privacy and tranquility, creating a home that feels both open and intimate. A timber-slatted garage pavilion, an architectural nod to the traditional barn, completes the ensemble.

Though the interiors span 115 square meters, they feel significantly more spacious. The layout revolves around a central core of functional spaces, encircled by generously glazed corridors. Large windows dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors, drawing the landscape into the home and enhancing the sense of openness. The result is a space that, while intimate in scale, feels effortlessly expansive.

But the connection to the surroundings extends beyond just glazing. "Porches, verandas, and covered terraces were once defining features of rural architecture, but over time, they disappeared," explains Karol Pasternak. "We reintroduced them to extend the experience of living in a Masurian home beyond the summer months. These sheltered spaces allow for uninterrupted interaction with nature, whether reading on the balcony during a rain shower or enjoying the cooling shade of the terrace on a hot afternoon."

The Pasym project also provided NOKE with an opportunity to work with prefabricated wooden house technology. The structure is built entirely from timber, with façades clad in clinker tiles and mineral structural plaster. "You can sense the benefits of a prefabricated wooden house in the very air," says Piotr Maciaszek. "Natural materials breathe, creating a fresh, welcoming atmosphere – even when the house has been left unoccupied for a long time."

Natural elegance: interiors
The NOKE team approached the interior design with the same guiding principles that shaped the architecture, carefully selecting materials, colors, and forms to create a seamless, harmonious aesthetic. This consistency is key – not only does it enhance the home’s sense of balance and tranquility, but it also amplifies the perception of space. The walls are finished with textured mineral plaster, painted with mineral-based paint, while plywood appears on select ceilings, adding warmth alongside solid wood accents. Throughout the home, microcement flooring provides a raw yet refined character, combining durability with understated elegance.

The home's modern rustic charm is further defined by its restrained, thoughtful furnishings. A warm, minimalist aesthetic is reflected in simple yet expressive details, such as Polish linen curtains draped from curtain rods hand-forged by a local blacksmith, who also crafted select lighting fixtures and mirror frames. The presence of skilled craftsmanship is woven throughout the space, evident in the rich textures, intricate weaves, and carefully honed surfaces.

Solid oak furniture anchors the interior with timeless durability and beauty. While much of the furniture was custom-designed by the NOKE team, the home is also enriched with pieces from leading contemporary Polish designers. The Kos chair and Oka ceramic table were designed by Maja Ganszyniec for Nurt, Apolin lamp by by Grynasz Studio, mirrored Oko vases by Malwina Konopacka, and textured relief artworks by Ola Niepsuj for Ludism. Niepsuj’s signature motifs also grace Lazise glassware, elevating everyday rituals into aesthetic experiences.

Much like the entire development on Lake Kalwa, these curated details encourage a slower, more intentional way of living – where every moment, no matter how small, is meant to be appreciated as a work of art.

NOKE Architects project team: Piotr Maciaszek, Karol Pasternak, Marcin Sudnik, Mateusz Jaworski, Maksymilian Tkacz
Interior design collaboration: Paulina Cziba
Styling: Karol Pasternak
Photography: Piotr Maciaszek