The thermomodernisation of historic buildings is almost always controversial, especially when it involves the destruction of unique façades that bear witness to history and local heritage. Such is the case with the building of Primary School No. 1 on Szkolna Street in Pińczów, where the adopted resolution on plans to thermo-modernise municipal educational facilities raised concerns among local activists and Internet users.
The historic school building on Szkolna Street in Pińczów, built in 1928, is one of the most valuable examples of local architectural heritage. This imposing edifice, built on an “L” plan from the very characteristic Pińczów stone of the town, served educational purposes from the beginning. The first pupils appeared in it around the middle of the school year 1930/1931. Its façade is decorated with cornices, parapets and other elements that give it a unique character, and the inscription on the façade reminds us of the historical significance of the building. Despite the numerous destructions suffered by Pinczow during the Second World War, the building survived almost intact, providing a unique testimony to local building traditions.
The school building in 1936. Photo: Polon Digital National Library
Recently, news circulated on the Internet that the building, listed in the municipal register of historical monuments, is facing a serious threat. In mid-October this year, the municipal authorities agreed to embark on a project and submit an application for funding for the task ‘Thermomodernisation of educational institution buildings in the Pińczów municipality’. As we were informed by a representative of the municipal office, the building of the Primary School No. 1 is also taken into consideration in this resolution.
After the resolution was passed, the community expressed concern that it was linked to a plan to apply polystyrene foam to the original facade of the local school. Such actions, although aimed at improving energy efficiency, could irrevocably destroy what is most valuable in the building – the unique Pińczów stone façade and architectural details. This, in turn, would mean a loss of authenticity and another step in the erosion of the town’s historic character. Over the years, many buildings in Pińczów made of this material have been covered with a layer of modern insulation, which has negatively affected their appearance. The school on Szkolna Street is one of the last valuable buildings to retain its original character.
We wrote to the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments in Kielce on this matter, asking about the resolution and the likelihood of the school’s facade being insulated with Styrofoam. In response, we received a position paper in which the office outlined the legal status of the building and referred to the possible plans of the Pińczów authorities.
“No application regarding the above-mentioned construction works has been submitted to the authority here this year. We would like to point out that the primary schools building is located in an area that is under conservation protection through an entry in the register of monuments – “Pińczów, as an old town” – by letter dated 20.09.2010, based on the old entry of Kielce Province No. 17 in the register of monuments of Świętokrzyskie Province under No. 652. In addition, the building is covered by individual conservation protection through its inclusion in the Communal Register of Monuments, adopted by Ordinance No. 46/14 of the Mayor of the City and Municipality of Pińczów dated 26 June 2014, updated by Ordinance No. 116/2018 of the Mayor of the City and Municipality of Pińczów dated 15 November 2018.
In view of the above, all construction works in the area entered in the register of monuments and affecting its appearance, in accordance with Article 36(1)(1) of the aforementioned Act on the protection and care of monuments, require a permit from the provincial conservator of monuments.”
Later in the document, conservator Joanna Modras also referred to the Piñczów school building itself and to its qualities and their loss if new layers are applied to the stone façade.
“The building in question, dating from 1928, is characterised by a stone façade (Pińczów limestone cladding), enriched with elements of architectural decoration. The introduction of a new thermal layer on the façade, unfortunately, will result in a definite change in the character of the façade, the proportions of the window openings, covering up the elements of architectural decoration and detail in the historic building. It should be remembered that according to current conservation doctrines, integrity, authenticity and originality are necessary in historic buildings. These are fundamental and most important categories for any monument. The loss of any one of these involves the loss of the value of the building. The preservation of the historic appearance of the façade is one of the basic conditions for conservation protection, which is why the insulating of historic buildings, especially those with rich decoration, is viewed negatively.”
The planned thermo-modernisation of the buildings of educational institutions in the Pińczów Municipality raises concerns among residents and local history enthusiasts, who see the building not only as a place of learning, but also as a living monument to the town’s past. Resolution No. VI/02024 of 16 October 2024, which paved the way for this project, was widely discussed at the city council session, and its full content can be found on the City Hall website. The letter we received, however, makes it clear that there are no concerns about damaging the character of the school’s facade.
Preserving the building’s original façade, as well as its unique character, is key to protecting Pinczow’s heritage. There are alternative methods of improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings, such as insulating from the inside, which do not destroy their historic value. Such solutions are being successfully implemented in many places, proving that modernity can go hand in hand with respect for the past.
In support of the initiative to save the façade of the historic school in Pińczów, a petition was launched to have the building entered in the register of monuments. We also asked the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer in Kielce about this.
“As for the inclusion of the aforementioned building in the register of buildings, it should be remembered that first of all it is necessary to establish beyond any doubt that the property intended to be included in the register of monuments meets the prerequisites specified in the Act on the protection and care of monuments, which allow the facility to be placed under full legal protection. Pursuant to Article 9 paragraph 1 of the above-mentioned Act on the protection and care of historical monuments, an immovable monument is entered in the register on the basis of a decision issued by the provincial conservator of monuments ex officio or on application of the owner of the immovable monument or the perpetual usufructuary of the land on which the immovable monument is located.
Prior to the issuance of the aforementioned decision an administrative procedure is conducted, during which evidence of significant importance to the case is collected (documentation and studies, archival materials, research results, opinions, expert opinions, inspection of the historic property, etc.). Therefore, at this stage, it is not possible to determine unequivocally whether the primary school building in Pińczów qualifies for inclusion in the register of historic buildings.”
It is hugely gratifying to see such grassroots initiatives that demonstrate the public’s sensitivity and lack of indifference to the devastation of our architectural heritage. They offer hope for the preservation of the unique and historic landscape of not only large cities, but also smaller towns. In this case, the school building is subject to conservation protection, but there are examples of covering valuable facades with Styrofoam or other materials, or completely changing the character of historic buildings, so it is worth publicising such cases for the common good. Below are some such cases.
– Warsaw: Historic vicarage in polystyrene coating. The conservator blocks the work
– The building of the commune office in Banie Mazurskie disappears under a layer of polystyrene foam
– Renovation of a historic villa in Dobczyce without permits – the case is now before the building supervisory authority
– Renovation of the former school in Wawrzyszów. Success of investment or failure of heritage conservation?
Source: Świętokrzyski Voivodeship Monument Conservator in Kielce, materials by Arkadiusz Krawczyk, UM Pińczów
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