After the end of World War II, Lower Silesian palaces and residences often fell into disrepair. Regime changes and lack of funds for renovation contributed to the degradation of these valuable buildings. Today, fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the need to protect historical heritage and numerous buildings are being renovated. One of these is the palace in Bukowiec, which has regained its former glory after years of neglect. The 25 million zloty renovation of the building, which is the headquarters of the Union of Giant Mountains Communities, has recently been completed. In a few months, the monument will be opened to the public and will serve an educational function.
History of the palace in Bukowiec
The palace in Bukowiec was built in the second half of the 16th century as a defensive manor surrounded by a moat. Its first owners were the von Reibnitz family. The residence has undergone numerous modernisations and alterations over the centuries, the most important of which took place between 1790 and 1810, when Count von Reden was the owner of the estate. Under his supervision, in cooperation with the architect Martin Rabe, the manor house was transformed into a neo-classical palace and the grounds around it were turned into a landscaped park with numerous pavilions and picturesque avenues. After the Second World War, the palace passed into various hands and experienced adverse modernisations, including the addition of a two-storey annex, and in the 1970s an agricultural school operated there, which also left its mark on the condition of the monument. Today the building is the seat of the Association of Giant Mountains Communities.
The palace in Bukowiec in 1876. Source: Digital National Library Polona
Bukowiec Palace – architecture and renovation
The Bukowiec residence is a three-storey building built on an irregular quadrilateral plan. Its characteristic elements are the two tower risalits in the south-west corner. The entire building is covered with a hipped mansard roof. The stuccowork has been preserved inside, and there is a historic fireplace on the ground floor. Near the palace there are farm buildings surrounded by a large landscape park, which used to be part of the estate. The renovation of the palace was carried out as part of a project financed by the Polish Order, under the supervision of the eMKa design office and the Pre-Fabrykat company from Miłków. Due to the inclusion of the residence in the register of historical monuments and its status as a monument of history, the work carried out under the supervision of the conservator required exceptional attention to detail, as well as respect for the age-old mass.
Modern technology in the service of history
During the works, innovative thermal insulation was used using aerogel plaster, which made it possible to preserve the original architectural details. The window frames were replaced and the historic shutters restored, a heat pump, BMS system and underfloor and radiator heating were installed. In addition, the roof was renovated, preserving the historic rafters. The interior of the palace hid many surprises. During the works, wooden ceilings with polychromes, wall paintings and historic window frames were discovered. Fragments of the original plasterwork with polychromes were also uncovered and, after conservation, became part of the exhibition. In the Reibnitz room, a polychrome from the 17th century was found, depicting figures in historical costumes. Due to its historical value, the paintings were preserved and protected.
Bukowiec Palace – effects of renovation of the mansion
Thanks to a comprehensive renovation, the palace in Bukowiec has regained its former charm. Its historical architectural details have been restored, the original colours of the facade have been restored and valuable decorative elements have been preserved. The interiors will soon be furnished with teaching materials and furniture, not all of which will be antique, as the main purpose of the palace is education. The building now forms a coherent whole with the manor house. The so-called Podkowa (horseshoe), a residential and farm building near the palace, is still awaiting renovation. The results of the work are an excellent example of combining modern technology with care for cultural heritage. Today, the palace not only pleases the eye, but also serves the community as a model for future renovations of monuments in Lower Silesia.
Investor: Union of Karkonosze Municipalities
General contractor: PRE-FABRYKAT Sp. z o.o.
Designer: Katarzyna Miśkiewicz – eMKa design office
Site manager: Wiktor Koselak
Amount of co-financing from the Government’s Polish Load Fund: Strategic Investment Programme – 22497561 PLN gross
Own contribution of the Association of Karkonosze Municipalities: pLN 2499729 gross
Read also: Monument | Renovation | Palace | Architecture in Poland | Villas and residences
The palace before and after renovation. Photo: PRE-FABRYKAT Sp. z o.o.
