In the Old Mokotow area, in a building from the era of post-war modernism, a flat has been created that not only impresses with its character, but is also an example of a contemporary interpretation of classic urban planning ideas. The design by Marta Korzec combines the crisp, original style of Memphis with attention to every detail resulting from the history of the place. The flat is 48 sq m and is located in a block built on the Dąbrowskiego estate. Its new arrangement shows the potential of such flats.
The building in which the flat is located was built at the beginning of the post-war period – as early as 1948. Its structure is based on traditional pre-war construction techniques – thick load-bearing walls up to 50 centimetres thick, gravity ventilation and solid bricks recycled from the ruins of the Warsaw ghetto. The result? A place where history meets modern design, and every furrow and hole made testifies to the extraordinary strength of the material and the spirit of the era. The estate, of which the building is a part, was designed with functional, friendly space in mind – low, spaced-out blocks surrounded by large green areas create an almost green oasis in the heart of the city. In the neighbourhood, there are green areas such as Pole Mokotowskie or atmospheric places with the Big Book Caf bookshop and café at the forefront.
Colourful inspirations
The interior of the flat was designed using the characteristics of the Memphis style – strong, juicy colours, expressive shapes and geometric forms intermingle here with minimalist functionality. The design was inspired primarily by light and harmony with the green surroundings, which is in perfect harmony with the flat’s locational qualities. The large windows overlook the greenery, and the tall spruce trees covering the living room and kitchen windows give the rooms an intimate feel.
The project was conceived for a young couple – an architect and a programmer – who had lived in the space for two years prior to the renovation, allowing them to experience first-hand the advantages and limitations of the existing arrangement. The layout of the flat evolved gradually – the original plans to completely demolish the wall between the living room and the kitchen gave way to subtle shifts of the partition walls, which created a number of partially separated zones that simultaneously interpenetrate each other. This solution optically enlarges the space and gives it a unique, modern character.
Functional and Arrangement Solutions
The well-thought-out interior layout maximises the use of natural light. The bedroom, located on the eastern side, guarantees morning sun, while the spacious living room with the kitchen – on the western side – enjoys perfect light even during the darkest moments of the day. The designer has taken care to create interesting openings, thanks to which the views from the dining room, living room or bathroom create attractive perspectives, emphasising the coherence of the entire arrangement.
One of the most interesting solutions turned out to be the new bathroom. Initially, the entrance to this space was sub-optimally located, which resulted in western light coming in at the wrong angle. Marta Korzec decided to move the door and use foxhole glazing, which not only improved the interior lighting, but also added elegance. In addition, the 50 cm thick walls made it possible to introduce aesthetically pleasing rounded shapes, and the protruding corner of the bathroom was subtly curved – an effect that gave the space a unique character.
Colour and light
A key element of the design is the play of light and colour. The dominant shades of vivid yellow and deep burgundy are an excellent contrast to the muted palette of black, white and natural wood. A vivid accent of yellow introduces energy into the flat, even on typically grey Polish days, while intensive lighting obtained by enlarging the opening between the dining room and the living room adds lightness to the interior. The greenery of the plants – carefully collected over the years and placed in the spaces, including the glass wall equipped with shelves that connects the dining room with the living room – is an additional feature of the arrangement. The design was inspired both by references to the Memphis style and the deep need for harmony with the surrounding nature.
An unobvious but very interesting touch to the design are the elements that have undergone a metamorphosis and re-invaded the interior. Cinema armchairs from the former cinema in Kielce or “jumping chairs” give the dining room a unique character, reminding us of old, but nice stories. The whole is also complemented by original elements from the past – a glazed wardrobe from the Opole region, an old mirror with a steel frame found on a rubbish dump, or classic cast-iron radiators, which in the new arrangement monothematically harmonise with modern solutions. Such contrasts between old and new create an interesting narrative that appeals to lovers of history and design.
For Marta Korzec, the flat project was not only a professional task, but also a personal experiment. As an architect, she had to find a balance between all the ideas, materials and solutions that grew over time. The lack of deadline pressure allowed the project to evolve like a living organism, which was a great challenge on the one hand and a source of satisfaction with the result on the other. One of the key problems that was cleverly solved was the correct positioning of the mirror in the bathroom. Thanks to the use of an innovative system on furniture slides, the mirror can be hidden in the front wall and pulled out when needed – a solution that combines functionality with elegance.
The flat in Mokotow is an example of how contemporary design can penetrate the stories of buildings from the past, giving them a new, fresh dimension.
design: Marta Korzec
photography: Hanna Połczyńska – Chronicles (https://www.kroniki.studio)
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