The tenement house at 22 Narbutta Street in Warsaw is an exceptional example of modernist architecture with elements of art déco. The building was constructed in 1938, designed by Antoni Jawornicki, as a luxurious residence for Mieczysław Broniewski, the owner of numerous sugar factories.
The tenement represents the functionalist style with clear art déco influences. Its most characteristic element is the undulating façade with deep loggias and round windows (portholes). The ground floor features a sandstone façade, while the upper storeys are clad in light-coloured render. The striking overhanging bay windows, the circular windows and the flowing line of the loggias make the building light and dynamic.
The reinforced concrete skeleton of the building allowed for free shaping of the façade, which in combination with the elegant details creates a harmonious composition. The interiors were originally planned with a division into representative and service tracts, reflecting the standards of luxury townhouses from the 1930s. Construction of the townhouse was completed in October 1938. During the Second World War, the building was occupied by the occupying forces. A dental clinic for SS members was then opened in the annexe.
Reconstruction of the damaged property began in February 1945, according to a design by J. Krotkiewski, and was intended as flats for the employees of the Bureau for the Rebuilding of the Capital (outbuilding) and the Polish Radio (front); Zygmunt Dworakowski, chairman of the Presidium of the National Council of the Capital City of Warsaw in the second half of the 1950s, also moved into one of the flats. Changes were made to the interior of the building to adapt it to the needs of its residents.
The outbuilding, much damaged during the war effort, needed thorough reconstruction. The layout of the flats was then changed, increasing the number of units. The front building and the outbuilding are now five storeys above ground, although they originally had four storeys. The extensions and the bricking up of some windows, including the characteristic portholes, have distorted the original form of the building.
The Broniewski Tenement House at 22 Narbutta Street remains an exceptional testimony to the pre-war architecture of Warsaw, combining modernist functionality with the finesse of the art déco style. Its striking façade and elegant details still attract attention, making it one of the most interesting buildings in Mokotow.
Source: zabytek.pl, warszawskieunikaty.home.blog
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