In one of the Żoliborz townhouses designed by Romuald Gutt, a flat was created that managed to regain its modernist character despite the difficult conditions of the premises and the damage caused by incompetent renovations. Such studio was responsible for the design of the kitchen, bathroom and living room, and architect Justyna Ciurzyńska’s main aim was to restore functionality while paying homage to this beautiful pre-war architecture. Thanks to her, the flat in Żoliborz regained its former spirit.
The modernist spirit of the building
Despite the fact that the façade of the building has lost its former beauty and the historic terrazzo in the common areas has been covered with low-quality tiles, the designer did not give up her attempt to restore the charm of years gone by. Modernist details and solutions, characteristic of 1930s architecture, became the inspiration for all design decisions.
Functionality on 47 metres
The area of the flat is only 47 square metres, which was intended to accommodate three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. Due to the condition of the installations and the desire to preserve the original parquet floor, the kitchen and bathroom had to remain in their original layout. These two rooms occupy a total of only five metres, which required precise and very careful planning of every element.
The bathroom as a hidden portal
The technical condition of the bathroom left a lot to be desired. The exposed fixtures and fittings not only took up space, but also had a negative impact on its aesthetics. The architect therefore decided to introduce a form reminiscent of the modernist portals known from Warsaw’s Żoliborz and Bielany townhouses. The curves on both sides of the door made it possible to mask the pipes and at the same time became an interesting part of the design. The walls and floor featured mosaic tiles by Italian brand Cesi. Its fine scale, colours and high plinth are clear references to the aesthetics of inter-war modernism. A skylight was also introduced into the bathroom to provide daylight. Thoughtful carpentry solutions, meanwhile, made it possible to create additional storage space.
A flat in Żoliborz and a kitchen with a wave
In the kitchen, curves were also used, this time in the form of wave-like upper cabinets. This shape helped to hide the differences between the curved walls. The floor was terrazzo, a contemporary interpretation of the original floor, which was no longer suitable for renovation. The olive-coloured Cesi tiles contrast with the dark veneer, and all of the built-in was custom-made. This required a great deal of commitment and precision on the part of the carpenters, especially with the numerous curves and details. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room. The cabinetry transitions into a low seating area, which also functions as a dining area.
Living room with reclaimed parquet flooring
In the living room, it was possible to preserve the striking and original parquet floor, while the neutral sofa was complemented by vintage wall lamps and a rug from Nordic Knots. The entire arrangement of the room was kept in a consistent, muted colour scheme, giving the interior a calm, harmonious expression for relaxation.
A flat in Żoliborz – history as the foundation of the project
The design of the Żoliborz flat was created with respect for the history of the place. Architect Justyna Ciurzyńska, who is also an art historian, was inspired by the achievements of pre-war artists and her own passion for 20th-century architecture. Many of the solutions used also stemmed from the need to hide traces of earlier, not entirely successful reconstructions. Visible water meters, exposed risers, uneven walls and limited space required technical prowess and a really high degree of ingenuity.
Co-operation with investors
The owners of the flat also played a major role in the success of the realisation. They showed an openness to non-standard ideas and a determination to recreate the atmosphere of the old tenement. Thanks to their commitment and shared vision, it was possible to bring the project almost entirely into the intended shape.
Design: taka studio / Justyna Ciurzyńska(instagram)
Photos: Moodauthors
Read also: Warsaw | Apartment | Interiors | Modernism | Detail | whiteMAD on Instagram
