In the post-war history of Warsaw, the building on Tamka Street holds a special place. Designed by Alfred Przybylski and Leszek Klajner, it was one of the first buildings to be constructed entirely from scratch after 1945 and for years remained the city’s tallest point after the Palace of Culture and Science. It is here, on one of the top floors, there is a 45-square-metre flat overlooking an old tenement house and the panorama of new skyscrapers – a space that proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity to create a home with exceptional functionality.
The project began in May 2025 and from the outset aimed to create a fully functional layout within a compact space. The living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom had to coexist in a comfortable and logical manner, whilst also responding to the structural limitations of a building dating from the late 1950s. The very first excavations revealed that the walls, which appeared to be partition walls on the floor plans, concealed joists connecting the columns, which significantly limited the possibilities for conversion.
A challenging layout and an even more challenging structure
Each stage of the work revealed further surprises. The materials used in 1958 were so poor that some elements crumbled in our hands. The renovation, which began in September 2025, quickly turned into a total overhaul. Even the parquet flooring, which architects usually try to save, was beyond repair – some of the boards were damaged, and others were stuck to the ceiling. Ultimately, the floor had to be removed and redesigned from scratch.
Play of light
The flat has only two windows – one in the living room, the other in the bedroom – so maximising the light in the interior was crucial. The unusual layout of the flues meant the kitchen had to be placed between the bathroom and the bedroom, which could have left it without any natural light. The solution was a glass wall, which allows light to flow freely between the rooms. The clients, who follow a similar daily routine, accepted this solution without any concerns about comfort.
Colour was introduced on the kitchen walls and ceiling. This was a decision that initially raised doubts, but the samples – always used for less obvious combinations – convinced the owners. The final result confirmed the wisdom of this bold design choice.
New materials, art and details
The living room originally featured veneered wall panelling, which had been there almost since the flat was built. However, its condition did not allow for renovation, so new panelling was installed, faithfully recreating the character of the original. The space also features works by Jerzy Zajączkowski and Agnieszka Apoznańska, whose art harmonises well with the character of the flat.
The bedroom is warmed by wallpaper, which balances the presence of the glass wall, whilst in the bathroom, the wallpaper adds character to the interior. The materials were selected with great care: kitchen units made from Egger panels in blue and wood-effect finishes, Technistone worktops, 41ZERO42 tiles in the Calacatta Viola pattern, FIORANESE flooring in the kitchen and oak plank flooring in the living room and bedroom. The furnishings are complemented by a Westwing table, chairs from the Polish brand Górna Półka, a desk and lamps.
Although the design came together quickly thanks to excellent cooperation with the clients, the renovation itself lasted until January 2026. Given the scale of the issues encountered, this is a surprisingly short timeframe. The end result is a bright, functional flat which – despite structural constraints and limited floor space – has become a comfortable home for two people.
_
About the studio:
BuduAR is a design studio run since 2004 by architect Anna Budzowska. The studio specialises in interior design for houses, flats, offices and public spaces, combining functionality with high visual quality. Many years of experience and a solid architectural background enable the team to effectively translate clients’ needs into refined, comfortable spaces. The studio creates designs that enhance everyday life – ergonomic, well-thought-out and aesthetically pleasing. Key to this are both the analysis of clients’ expectations and attention to the final result, developed during design meetings and joint visits to showrooms. The result is interiors in which users feel natural and at ease, as confirmed by numerous client testimonials. Buduar also undertakes projects for restaurants, banks and doctors’ surgeries, readily taking on unusual challenges that require a bespoke approach. The studio’s services are aimed at those seeking original, refined interiors and professional support at every stage of the design process.
design: buduAR Anna Budzowska
team: Anna Budzowska and Natalia Kuczyńska
photos: Studio Archives
Read also: Warsaw | Apartment | Interiors | Recommended | Detail | Interiors
