The characteristic post-war appearance of the Mills, with the linking section just above the water and the logo, has created a spatial memory of the place which we decided to preserve. We added a cosy green square in the form of an embankment hiding the garage and serving as an open public space. The existing window openings have been enlarged, making the original outline visible while varying the degree of transparency of the new glazing. The difference between the new and the historic is still clear. The building takes on a different form depending on the amount of light and temperature, which may seem more dynamic because of the mobile façades.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

Witolda 3840 is an example of how to reclaim a place for the city and enter into a dialogue with its pre-war, post-German fabric. Because of the increasingly vibrant urban life along the Oder, we decided to create a metropolitan boulevard in keeping with the existing development in the area, thus revitalising and activating the waterfront. The new pavilion with flats and restaurants increases the functional attractiveness of the area while formally reducing the height of the second line of development, making the front more accessible from the side of the river. The stylistic simplicity of the building reflects our intention to be unobtrusively present in this historic site.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

The revitalisation of the neo-Gothic building was another attempt to restore the old fabric of the city. The dominant character of the historic palace is emphasised by the austere style of the new residential part and the limited, moderate landscaping. Old trees in the rehabilitated park have been given priority and thoroughly cared for, while the muted colours highlight the historical context. The buildings simultaneously constitute a frame for the park complex and provide a setting for Gdańska Street, thus striking a balance between the open character of the plot and the scale of the surrounding quarter development.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

The entire functional structure of the adapted depot was subordinated to the target model, in which the two free-standing buildings function as a single complex and the main entrance is located along the axis of the multifunctional square gently descending below ground level. Thanks to this model it was possible to preserve the spatial autonomy of the depot and restore its architectural shell back to its glory, with only discreet signals of a change of use. The museum is an opportunity for the entire district, creating a new public space and building the identity of this previously industrial part of the city.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

An essential component of our work in architecture is experience. It provides us with invaluable knowledge needed to discuss the contemporary urban biotope. Instead of resorting to fashionable newspeak, we prefer to observe real processes of rehabilitation of places and communities. To rejoice when our courtyard, restored through joint work and equipped with new urban furniture, integrates people, and to grieve and doubt when we find the terrace in disarray on a Monday morning. We believe, however, that this coexistence brings us closer to understanding the phenomenon of the modern city.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

It happened fast: the city’s far-sighted decision to hand the site over to the Chamber of Architects, EU grants, a quick reconstruction project and construction within five months. There were more questions than answers: about the precise location, details, colour. Laborious work with a conservation officer brought a reward – the discovery of an original paddling pool.

And thus a new home of architecture was created – a permanent address that is an integral part of the local government’s raison d’être. And with it, activities: meetings, lectures, workshops and youth exhibitions. But that’s another story altogether.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

The main task was to continue Dernburg’s design using a contemporary language of symbols and the characteristic dynamics of the era to balance the scale of the building. The coherence of the old and new parts was achieved through the right proportions, mass reduction, horizontal divisions and the properties of the materials. The dynamism of the unambiguously horizontal façade of the new part was intensified by the fan-like deflection of the cornices. The background, made up of glass and fibre cement panels, corresponds to the ceramics of the historic edifice. The two parts of the building are connected through an entrance atrium.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

We made this small project with intention to organize and revitalize the space of a typical courtyard between 19th century townhouses. We also wanted, perhaps manifesting a bit, to decontaminate a piece of the city. Summer in the city without greenery is gradually more and more difficult to endure. Hence the idea to create a comfortable space, giving shelter from the sun, being both an extension of our office and a meeting place for residents of the tenement. The form of the terrace was designed for easy accessibility for all users – a low platform, equipped with fixed furniture, arranges the space using simple forms.
This is one of our smallest projects ever done. To realize it we removed from soil 30m2 of concrete. First of all we arrangeded an arboristic care for magnificent glandular aylanthus (aka ‘Mietek’), which was placed in the central part of our terrace. Among others, sanitary and care cuts of the crown as well as loosening and aeration of the soil structure were carried out. The existing tree provides natural protection from the sun on hot summer days.
The terrace is made of narrow 5.5 cm x 2.65 cm boards, spaced at 1 cm intervals, which creates an openwork structure that does not block the natural absorption of rainwater by the soil. To make a terrace, we used certified softwood, which came from forests where sustainable forest management is carried out. We consciously decided not to use chemical wood preservatives – thanks to that we did not introduce about 10 liters of oils, which are based on solvent, into the environment. The wood species we have chosen (Siberian larch) has natural resistance to weather conditions and even without any chemical maintenance it will serve us for at least 10-15 years. Over time, its natural color will be covered with a gray patina.
After freeing another 40m2, we designed a garden. Filling this small area with numerous shrubs and perennials will ensure lush, dense, understory greenery in the future. We also planted two beech trees, which will create a natural protection from the sun for the southern, strongly sunny elevation of the building. The entire 70m2 has become a biologically active area and helps us to better manage rainwater within the courtyard.
We invited all residents of the tenement house to the first phase of the project (cleaning the courtyard). We did something like a neighbourhood co-op, bought tools, plants and ordered transport. The terrace itself was made by a professional company. After all of this we had a barbecue, which lasted until the early morning hours.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij

The urban palace located at ul. Włodkowica 4 was built for Franz Karl von Ballestrem, a politician of the Catholic Party and President of the Reichstag. The building was designed in 1898 by Albert Grau, a well-known architect from Wrocław, who used the remains of earlier constructions, including 18th-century fortifications. During WWI, the palace interiors were partly converted into flats made available to people in a difficult situation. After WWII, the building first housed the Security Office, and then council flats, which resulted in partial destruction of the original arrangement of rooms and devastation of the interior design. In 1997 the edifice was inscribed in the Register of Historic Monuments. In 2014, the current owner of the palace began its renovation and expansion, which restored the building’s former splendour. The richly-ornamented façades from the side of ul. Włodkowica and the garden, including the historic sculpture of St. Hedwig and the stone coat of arms of the Ballestrems, were renovated. Inside, the original door frames and part of the floors were kept while the moulding and period tiles in the bathrooms were reconstructed. In the magnificent stairwell, the wrought iron stair balustrade and red terrazzo steps were restored to their original state. The charm and prestige of the historic architecture of the former Ballestrems’ palace combined with modern furnishings make the building an ideal place for the seat of a club and a restaurant. The original ceiling in the basement and the old brick walls create a unique atmosphere in the interiors of the club, while the space on the ground floor, full of light and opening up to the terrace and garden, is the perfect spot for a gourmet restaurant. These spaces are accompanied by high-standard offices located on the higher floors. Coupled with over 110-year long history of the meticulously restored former Ballestrems’ Palace, the resulting venue becomes an exceptional place where tradition overlaps modernity. Its additional asset is the location near the Old Town Promenade – a green belt near the moat around the Old Town. It is one of the favourite walking areas of Wrocław dwellers. The restaurant with its 19th-century ceiling boasts a terrace with a view of the garden. The club with auxiliary spaces in the basement has a separate entrance and independent access to the garden. Its ceiling, just like the restaurant’s, is also original.
In 2014, the current owner of the palace began its renovation and expansion, which restored the building’s former splendour. The richly-ornamented façades from the side of ul. Włodkowica and the garden, including the historic sculpture of St. Hedwig and the stone coat of arms of the Ballestrems, were renovated. Inside, the original door frames and part of the floors were kept while the moulding and period tiles in the bathrooms were reconstructed. In the magnificent stairwell, the wrought iron stair balustrade and red terrazzo steps were restored to their original state.

Skomentuj /

Udostępnij