The renovation of a detached house in Gdynia is a story about architecture that, from the very beginning, defied local conventions. The building, erected several decades ago based on an Algerian design, stood out for its Mediterranean freedom of form – a multi-level structure, terraces and a bold approach to spatial design. However, after years of use and a period of disuse, it required comprehensive modernisation to once again become a fully-fledged part of Gdynia’s landscape and realise the potential of its location.
Contemporary transformation
The starting point for the M19 Architekci team (Mai Skołysz and Arkadiusz Kicki) was to preserve the character of this house with its unusual heritage. The designers deliberately avoided radical interventions, opting instead for a thoughtful transformation that opens the building up to light, the garden and the city skyline. As they emphasise, “the greatest challenge was finding a balance between preserving the building’s unique character and giving it a contemporary look”.
One of the key measures was to reorganise the interior space and introduce large glazed areas. Natural light has become a fully-fledged element of the composition, and the boundary between the interior and its surroundings has been almost completely blurred. The geometry of the roof and the finish of the façade were also altered, giving the building a more elegant, contemporary character that does not clash with its Mediterranean roots.
Overlooking the city
From the outset, the modernist house stood out for its extensive system of terraces, which is why their revitalisation became one of the priorities. Sections of the solid balustrades have been replaced with glass, allowing the surrounding landscape to become a natural backdrop to everyday life. At garden level, the relaxation area connected to the study has been extended to include a spacious terrace, seamlessly blending the interior with the greenery. A magnificent oak tree has also been preserved – its changing colours can be admired both from the fireside lounge and from the terrace, sheltered in the shade of its spreading branches.
The roof terrace is of particular significance, having been one of the house’s most distinctive features for years. “The roof terrace also remains a unique feature of the house. It is from here that the panoramic view of Gdynia unfolds, which has become one of this property’s greatest assets,” says Maja Skołysz. Arkadiusz Kicki adds: “As part of the refurbishment, this space has been enhanced with a glazed conservatory, allowing it to be enjoyed for most of the year, whatever the weather.”
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A new quality, preserved identity
The result of the modernisation is a home that combines Mediterranean lightness with modern elegance and the seaside atmosphere of the Baltic. Light colours, natural wood and large glazed areas create an atmosphere of tranquillity, whilst the architecture makes full use of the location’s assets. “We wanted the house to retain its identity, whilst becoming more open, functional and comfortable for its residents,” summarise the project’s designers.
design: M19 Architekci (Maja Skołysz, Arkadiusz Kicki)
photographs: Paulina Hinz Photos
See also: Gdynia | Makeover | Detached house | Modernism | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
