In this post I’m sharing my photographs of Dom z Natury, currently under construction in Milanówek near Warsaw. Designed by architect Agnieszka Kacprzak of Architektura Wrażliwa in collaboration with fellow architect Piotr Duma of the Ryby i Owce design practice, this sustainable house features materials and techniques that create hope for non-toxic and carbon-neutral developments in an industry long overdue for a green overhaul. And it’s a personal build, too—Agnieszka and Piotr are teaming up as both co-designers and co-owners. Once they move in they will be neighbors, each occupying a unit of this unusual duplex custom-designed to fit snugly into the elongated oak-lined lot.
Natural House rises from three layers of Glapor Cellular Glass, a biologically inert and remarkably durable insulating material with exceptional structural properties. The walls are laid using blocks of hempcrete—the lime-bound hemp shiv construction compound with insulating, soundproofing, and fire-resistant properties, which also happens to be carbon-negative. The metal roof’s weatherproofing is natural, too, and consists of linseed oil. The plaster on the walls is hypoallergenic clay. The window insulation is a series of experiments with natural fibers. In fact, just about everything that’s coming to life here is literally conducive to life. (When I first showed up it was to see if the materials Agnieszka is using don’t give me a migraine. They don’t. If anything, I suspect a house such as this one might even… cement my remission? They say moving is a headache, but I’m inclined to find out.)
The images are from several visits over the summer. During one visit, Hemp System’s Mikołaj Wojciechowski was plastering the interior using a clay mix from acclaimed artisanal plaster and tadelakt shop Costka, famous for its natural formulations and DIY tutorials.
If you’re picking up on more than just an industrious vibe, but also on warmth, creativity, and freedom, then my photos are living up to the task.
And if you’re left feeling curious, don’t hesitate to reach out. That sign out front and the bench next to it? Those are there to help Agnieszka and Piotr spread the word about hempcrete, sustainability, collaborative design, and alternative building practices for 2026 and beyond. I know firsthand that visitors are welcome!
Though on this build Agnieszka is collaborating with Piotr, in most of her work she is half of the design studio Architektura Wrażliwa, which she runs with business partner Łukasz Szczepanowicz. Like its English equivalent—sensitive—the Polish wrażliwa can mean one of two things. Is this a boutique architecture studio that’s especially discerning and attentive to detail? Or is it one run by a couple of gentle, permeable souls? Having gotten to know Agnieszka and Łukasz I get the sense that both things are true. (Isn’t it so always? I’m increasingly skeptical of anyone merely theorizing their way to sensitivity.)