Gdańskie Nieruchomości is preparing to modernise a historic multi-family house at 10 Władysława IV Street in the Nowy Port district. The documentation has already been prepared, which paves the way for a tender for construction and conservation works. The building itself was constructed at the end of the 19th century and is part of the historic buildings of the former port settlement.
History of the house at 10 Władysława IV Street
The two-storey house at 10 Władysława IV Street was most likely built around 1890. It is located in the historic urban complex of Nowy Port and is listed in the Municipal Register of Monuments. Originally, the building had a gable roof covered with roofing felt and a clearly marked, dark-coloured frame structure. The spaces between the wooden elements were filled with light-coloured plaster or brick. In the second half of the 20th century, the building was gradually transformed by successive residents. Windows were replaced, the layout of some rooms was changed, and a small extension was added on the west side.
Nowy Port and its buildings
The house represents the typical residential buildings of Gdańsk, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the suburban port districts. The property was built using half-timbered technology, i.e. a system of wooden beams filled with brick. The preserved layout of the building and the proportions of the façade are of significant value. The half-timbered structure serves both a structural and compositional function, defining the division of the façades. The fragments of traditional woodwork and wooden carvings are also noteworthy.
Władysława IV 10 – architecture and layout
The single-storey house at 10 Władysława IV Street has an unused attic and a small cellar located under part of the building. The external walls were built using the aforementioned half-timbered technique and decorated with window frames and corbels. The interior of the building has retained its wooden ceilings and stairs leading to the upper floors. The façades have a regular arrangement of rectangular windows, and the front of the house is accentuated by a centrally located porch, above which there is a balcony supported by wooden pillars. There are four flats in the building, some of which still have tiled stoves.
Poor technical condition of the building
A technical expert opinion has revealed that the building is in poor condition. The most serious problems concern the structure and dampness of the walls. The foundations and basement walls lack insulation, which has led to the degradation of the building materials. In addition, the wooden structure of the house has been damaged in many places by fungi and insects. The damage is visible in the foundations, posts and roof truss elements. Some of the ceiling beam ends need to be replaced. There are also problems inside and around the roof. The wooden ceilings are weakened in places and the roofing is no longer watertight. The porch is also in poor condition and its structure is unstable. Worn floors, damaged tiled stoves, and damaged door frames and some windows complete the picture of damage and confirm the need for urgent renovation.
Renovation and conservation programme
The work planned for this building focuses on preserving its historical substance and improving its usability. First, the building’s structure will be renovated. This includes the half-timbered walls, ceilings and roof trusses. Damp-proofing and thermal insulation will be installed, and the roof will be re-covered with a drainage system.
At the same time, restoration work will be carried out. This will include the reconstruction of window and door frames in a form reminiscent of the original designs. There are also plans to renovate the preserved elements of the staircase and reconstruct the damaged wooden decorations. Work on the façades and structural elements will be no less important. The brick infill of the half-timbered wall will be cleaned and secured, and the wooden parts of the structure will be repaired and impregnated. In addition, disinfection measures will be carried out to eliminate fungi and insects that destroy wood. Once all the work is complete, the historic house will be more beautiful than ever in its more than 100-year history.
Source:GdańskReal Estate
See also:Architecture in Poland|Metamorphosis|Renovation|History|Gdańsk
