It measures 147 square metres and is situated in an attractive location overlooking a park in Gdańsk. The architects from STUDIO FORMA have created a calm, light-filled and timeless interior. It was designed for a family with a school-age boy, with the capacity to comfortably accommodate guests – including the owners’ adult siblings, for whom additional bedrooms have been planned. From the very first discussions, it was clear that the future residents were looking for quality, authenticity and harmony, and their openness to design proposals allowed us to create a space refined down to the last detail.
The layout proposed by the developer failed to make the most of the flat’s potential – the central area was occupied by a vast hall with a bathroom, which unnecessarily dominated the living area. At the same time, there was no extra bedroom, which was essential for the owners. The project therefore required a complete reorganisation of the space. The architects redesigned the layout to create a fully-fledged guest room, open up the living area and ensure that every square metre worked to the residents’ advantage.
A new functional logic for the space
The functional changes involved complex technical work, including the redesign of the underfloor heating system across the apartment’s large floor area. As a result, the technical solutions were tailored to the architectural vision, rather than the other way round. The end result confirms the wisdom of these decisions – the interior has acquired a new logic, whilst remaining light, harmonious and spacious.
The dominant style of the design is Modern Organic, whose strength lies in its tranquillity, naturalness and balanced elegance. The interior does not need excess to make an impression – its luxury stems from the quality of the materials and the precision of the craftsmanship. Large-format sintered stone on the walls and worktops, frameless glass, ‘secret doors’, minimalist bespoke furniture, flush-mounted sockets, slim lighting profiles and the absence of random decorations create a refined and deliberate composition.
One of the clients’ key requirements was to create a bright interior, filled with natural light. The colour palette was therefore based on shades of off-white, sandy beige, delicate grey and natural wood. The architects have employed a subtle interplay of colours here, creating an impression of softness and cohesion. The organic veining of the stone adds depth, whilst black details such as profiles, handles and fittings have been introduced with great restraint to emphasise the proportions and texture of the materials.
Colour is not the dominant feature here – light takes centre stage. It is light that brings out the stone’s veining, the wood’s texture and the softness of the fabrics, ensuring the interior remains luminous and full of life, despite the understated colour palette.
Functional zones
The most distinctive feature of the flat is its clear division into zones, whilst maintaining the impression of a single, cohesive space. The focal point of the living area is the kitchen with its large island – a place for gathering, conversation and cooking meals together. Right next to it is the dining area with a round table seating eight, which encourages relaxed conversation and allows everyone to stay in close contact.
The lounge area forms a natural extension of the dining area. Soft, comfortable furniture creates a space for relaxation, watching films and listening to music. An intimate little library emphasises that the design was conceived with the residents’ daily rituals in mind – their need for tranquillity, rest and engagement with literature.
The hosts’ private area has been clearly demarcated: the master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and glazed bathroom. The transparency of the glass lends this area a sense of lightness and allows light to flow freely between the rooms, whilst maintaining a clear division of functions. The second bathroom, intended for the rest of the household, has been complemented by a separate laundry room, ensuring that the technical functions remain discreetly concealed.
Long live wood!
One of the most distinctive elements of the design is the bespoke natural oak wall panelling. These were made to order in the form of coffered panels, the proportions of which were tailored to the apartment’s architecture. Doors leading to other rooms are concealed within their structure – the ‘secret door’ system ensures that the door leaves remain almost invisible, creating a uniform, monolithic surface.
Throughout the flat, the number of visible technical details has been kept to a minimum. The built-in units, lighting and furnishings have all been designed according to a single principle: the architecture is intended to serve as a tranquil backdrop to the residents’ lives. It is an interior that complements daily life. It is elegant, light-filled and timeless.
design: STUDIO FORMA
photography: INKADR Natalia Kaczmarek
See also: Flat | Detached house | Interiors | Gdańsk | Minimalism | whiteMAD on Instagram
