It is a space full of history. Its new, eclectic arrangement was designed by Alicja Prodeus, who runs the Jord Studio. The office was furnished in an old tenement house on Norwida Street in Wrocław.
This is one of the most beautiful pre-war streets in Wrocław. Numerous tenement houses can be seen there, including one from 1903. It is here that a boutique office space was created together with a workshop room. Initially there was a flat here, a spacious suite where the German anatomist and embryologist Hermann Triepel lived and held meetings with students.
Over the years, the space did not receive a major renovation. Until 2022, when the interior of the former dwelling was adapted to its new function. The lack of previous interventions meant that many of the original details and materials were preserved.
Together with my husband Maurice, we wanted to create a space for meetings and creative work here. It houses, among other things, the Fandom Foundation, which complements our other project we have been carrying out for years – the revitalisation of the ‘Fandom’ pavilion in Wrocław’s Manhattan,” says Alicja Prodeus.
When preparing the design for the changes, the architect wanted to preserve as much of the old material as possible.
The imperfections associated with history and the passage of time are interesting to me, and I wanted to build the beauty of this place on this. Also related to this is the philosophy of sustainable renovation, which is close to me, where one weighs the energy and resources needed to create the space. My perspective is that historic buildings after renovation should tell a new story, from the past to the present. The playfulness, the marriage of old and new materials creates added value for the place,” explains the architect.
The office in the old building is now defined by the sage and mint colours of the door woodwork, the cream stucco juxtaposed with shades of orange, pink and the colour of stainless steel. Appropriate character was achieved by retaining sections of the original walls in colour and texture.
Interestingly, most of the new furnishings are products from chain shops. The designer boldly juxtaposed the furniture with the noble materials of the walls, ceilings and woodwork, giving them a completely different expression. Some of the furniture, however, is vintage. Here you will find tables from a tailor’s workshop from the 1970s, which have been given a new life and now serve as desks and workbenches. The kitchen table also has its own history. The furniture was made entirely from recycled materials. The space is also decorated with a sofa from the 1930s, which has been given a sunny-coloured upholstery.
The architect has managed to breathe new life into the old space. Positive energy now reigns supreme.
design: Jord Studio
photography: Almond Studio
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