Pl / En
Location
Otwock, Poland
Authors
MFRMGR Architects
Team
Marta Frejda, Michał Gratkowski, Łukasz Ptak
Project status
end of design phase
Area
1557 m²
Year
2022

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A10

universal house

mixed-use building in Otwock

With this project being located in such a prominent area of the town, we want to signal that the whole centre of Otwock is changing and progressing. In a subversive yet subtle way, we were inspired by the ‘Świdermajer’ style ­­- we designed the building’s balconies to be the openwork porches, where the residents would be able to relax after work or observe the changing surroundings through the screen.

 

Otwock is a once-renowned retreat and health resort near Warsaw, with a great history and culture. It was fashionable to live or own property there, considering its microclimate and greenery. Otwock was associated with recreation, tranquillity, and good medical care. The town was conveniently connected to Warsaw and other towns by rail. The charming Świder River flowing through the town offered many recreational opportunities on hot summer days.

It was here that the architectural style commonly known as ‘Świdermajer’ originated and developed. It was created by a well-known resident of Otwock, the draughtsman and illustrator Michał Elwiro Andriolli.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The street where the project (Universal Home) is being constructed is named after him. It’s right in the very centre of the town. The plot is located near the railway station and a lively market.

 

 

The surroundings of the plot are severely degraded both spatially and in terms of aesthetics. The neighbouring infrastructure is chaotic and neglected. In some places, common newly-build housing mingles with reconstructed or extended old buildings and crumbling shanties.

 

 

Our project is intended to be a starting point for changing the centre of Otwock and raising its significance as a town. We would also like it to symbolise the fact that in this town it’s possible to find an interesting and comfortable housing for everyone, e.g. for young people. And that there is a chance to create new good neighbourly relations in a multi-family building with high quality design and structure.

 

 

Our ‘Universal Home’ is located in a well-connected central part of the town which is easy to get to. In terms of the building’s function, it is contrasting with the just started or already finished wonderful revitalisation and renovation works of the historic buildings, the potential of which has already been recognised, e.g. ‘Nowy Gurewicz’

 

 

With this project being located in such a prominent area of the town, we want to signal that the whole centre of Otwock is changing and progressing. In a subversive yet subtle way, we were inspired by the ‘Świdermajer’ style ­­- we designed the building’s balconies to be the openwork porches, where the residents would be able to relax after work or observe the changing surroundings through the screen. Apart from these openwork wooden screens, the building is devoid of any visible detail. It is ascetic in both form and colour.

The building combines residential and commercial purposes. It is a semi-modern form that clashes with the façade of the old, renovated, wooden building that has prevailed for decades. All this, in our opinion, makes for a strong yet intriguing composition.
The scale of the facility and the functional combination was quite a challenge.

The glazed ground floor of the building provides space for cultural facilities, e.g. a bookshop or a café. On the ground floor of the wooden building, we have designed spaces for services like an accounting firm, an artisan bakery or an ice cream parlour. On the upper floors, we have designed functional flats with ‘porches’ that can be easily accessed by a staircase located in the central area of the complex or by lift. The underground garage is to be an amenity for everyone. In the yard we have included a green courtyard garden accessible to all residents.

 

The building combines residential and commercial purposes. It is a semi-modern form that clashes with the façade of the old, renovated, wooden building that has prevailed for decades. All this, in our opinion, makes for a strong yet intriguing composition.

Location
Otwock
Authors
MFRMGR Architects
Team
Marta Frejda, Michał Gratkowski, Łukasz Ptak
Project status
end of design phase
Area
1557 m²
Year
2022
Share
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Language
Pl / En
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