The tenement house at 21/23 Wieniawskiego Street in Poznań has long attracted the attention of the city’s inhabitants. This imposing building, built in 1904, had been abandoned for years and its technical condition had systematically deteriorated. Nevertheless, it was considered one of the most beautiful in this part of the city due to its unique architecture. In the face of progressive degradation, it was impossible not to notice how much the potential of the place was being wasted. Today, the restored villa is a delight to the eye and its interiors have been adapted for use by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
A new chapter in the building’s history began almost a decade ago, when the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (ICHB PAN) purchased the building from the Poznań City Hall. The Institute had an ambitious plan to transform the neglected tenement into modern laboratories. However, this required a huge amount of money for a comprehensive renovation, as the technical condition of the building left much to be desired. After several years of careful preparation, a tender was announced to carry out the redevelopment under the ‘design and build’ formula. It was won by DEMIURG, a company with extensive experience in the renovation and refurbishment of historic urban buildings such as the Arsenal City Gallery or the Children under the Sun.
The restored villa. Photo: Maciej Lulko
The project team faced a difficult task – to introduce modern research functions into a building that was almost 120 years old. An additional challenge was the start of work during the pandemic in 2021, which made the project much more difficult. The biggest challenge, however, turned out to be integrating the modern installations, necessary for the operation of the laboratories, into the historic structure of the building. Katarzyna Kulinska, Contracts Manager at DEMIURG, emphasises that a key aspect of the entire process was to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity. Cooperation with the Municipal Conservator of Monuments in Poznań was essential to ensure that every measure was in line with the requirements of monument protection. As a result, it was possible to preserve the original character of the building, while at the same time introducing modern laboratory functions, making the building one of the few of its kind in Poland and even in Europe.
The building before and after the renovation. Photos: Tomasz Hejna LAGOMphoto
The monumental building, full of architectural details such as stained-glass windows, luxe glass, rosettes, facets and richly decorated balustrades, has been painstakingly restored. The elements that could not be saved were reconstructed according to the original design. Restoration work also included the stairwells, where beautiful polychrome decorative paintings have been preserved and can now be admired in their full glory. The external doors and some internal doors were also renovated. Particular attention was paid to details such as the brass handles on the doors and windows, which are an integral part of the building’s history. An example of the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity are the bathrooms, which have been designed according to the latest trends, combining aesthetics, functionality and technical requirements. The building has also been adapted to the needs of people with disabilities through the addition of an external glazed lift shaft.
Aesthetics were also a key factor in the design of the waste management solutions. Instead of traditional rubbish bins, aesthetically pleasing, low-intrusive drop-off kiosks were installed next to the building, with their containers located underground. In the laboratories and in some rooms, conventional radiators have been dispensed with in favour of fan coil units located under the ceilings, ensuring efficient heating. The building is also equipped with a state-of-the-art access control system and closed-circuit television, ensuring security and monitoring at the highest level. The external façade of the building has been carefully restored, and all stucco details, including balustrades, have been renovated and brought up to current technical standards. The entire building is crowned by a high, mansard roof with turrets and spires, giving the building a unique character.
The year 2014 and the restored villa today. Photos: Tomasz Hejna LAGOMphoto
Radosław Piechnik, Site Manager, emphasises that realising such modern spaces in a historic building was a huge challenge. It was necessary to harmonise tradition with advanced technology, while taking care to preserve the most valuable historical elements. The location of the townhouse in the city centre further complicated the work, as the construction site was cramped and deliveries had to be carefully planned and carried out with smaller vehicles. on 3 September 2024, the Centre for Innovation and Social Education (CIES) of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS was officially opened in a renovated villa at 21/23 Wieniawskiego Street in Poznań. Modern laboratories, education rooms and a business incubator now provide a unique space that combines rich history with modernity.
The Centre for Innovation and Social Education (CIES) currently houses three key elements. The first is the advanced technology platforms, which stand out not only nationally, but often also in Europe. These were created as part of ambitious infrastructure projects carried out by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Another important element is the business incubator, which has three separate modules, consisting of a laboratory and a small office. These modules will be made available for a period of two to three years to scientists who have ideas for commercialising their research results. The final key part of the CIES is the community education centre. Equipped with state-of-the-art lecture theatres and demonstration laboratories, it enables young scientists, students and schoolchildren to gain practical insights into modern research methods and the day-to-day work of scientists. Thanks to the efforts of many people, the restored villa on Wieniawskiego Street has become not only a beautiful monument, but also a modern scientific and educational centre.
The villa before and after the renovation. Photos: Tomasz Hejna LAGOMphoto
Investor: Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Designer and general contractor: DEMIURG
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