Material narratives

House NB, a private residence located on the last available plot in a densely populated area of the city of Szczecin, Poland, combines many elements of Modernist architecture with a contemporary spirit. This all-round architecture and interior design project, led by architects Anna and Krzysztof Paszkowski-Thurow from the firm Anna Thurow Architecture and Interiors, stands out for an aesthetic that combines sophisticated references with elegant yet warm and welcoming atmospheres. The modernist style of the residence, composed of three stacked volumes that determine its functional layout, contrasts intentionally with the other buildings in the neighbourhood while establishing a connection with the surroundings through the texture and colours of the façade. The house appears to be almost inaccessible from the roadside, but opens up completely towards the geometrically shaped garden, which in turn penetrates inside the home via the fully glazed patio and full-height sliding windows, creating a seamless connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces. The interiors maintain the envelope’s modernist style and consist of open, shared spaces and functional areas created with a variety of different materials to accommodate the family members’ private spaces. The interiors are enhanced by the sizes and tactility of a selected range of materials, which together with the choice of soft, neutral colours are a key aspect of the project. Anna and Krzysztof Paszkowski-Thurow’s style is exemplified by their judicious use of large-size surface coverings such as the porcelain floor tiles and the hammered granite worktops and fireplace, as well as their ability to juxtapose monochrome backdrops with warm floor and wall finishes. Highlights of the living spaces include the spacious kitchen made up of monolithic volumes and the elegant bathrooms that recreate the relaxing, rarefied atmosphere of a spa. The interior design project makes harmonious use of two porcelain tile collections from Casalgrande Padana – Architecture and Pietre di Sardegna – which are used on the floor in 90×90 cm, 120×120 cm and 120×260 cm sizes, their elegant shades and textures reflecting the two designers’ style. The Architecture collection stands out for its elegant natural and polished surface colours that are especially suitable for contemporary, minimalist and industrial chic settings, whereas Pietre di Sardegna has an expressive natural elegance and warm shades in which every vein forms part of a striking material narrative.