In the centre of Wrocław, on Gajowa Street, there is a flat that until recently resembled a construction site rather than a future home. Today, after a thorough metamorphosis designed by Agata Pierożyńska from the Habitat Wnętrza studio, it has become an example of how design courage and consistency can transform even the most demanding space.
From the outset, the investor knew that the location could not be overestimated. The proximity of the station, excellent public transport links and the opportunity to live in the city centre were decisive factors in the choice of property. At the same time, the first inspection revealed the scale of the challenge. The plaster was falling off in chunks, the installations were in a deplorable state, and there was less wood left in the floors than one might have hoped. Agata Pierożyńska recalls that it was clear from the outset that a long and uneven struggle lay ahead. Renovating a tenement building is always a test of patience, but also an opportunity for enormous satisfaction – and this story perfectly confirms that.
From the outset, the investor was aware of the enormity of the work and the need to be patient. I stood shoulder to shoulder with him in this uneven battle, says the architect.
A key stage of the work was the analysis of the apartment’s function, whose layout was determined by a long corridor and an underlit foyer. Historically, the rooms were connected by a pair of sliding doors hidden in the wall – a unique element, but difficult to preserve in the original layout. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom required a clear division, and at the same time, the investor wanted to preserve this characteristic fragment of the old woodwork.
The solution was a cobalt cube – a distinctive, modern structure that concealed a bathroom with a shower. It organises the space, subtly separating the kitchen area from the bedroom. Thanks to this solution, it was possible to preserve and restore the original sliding doors, which were renovated by the owner himself. Today, they not only delight with their detail, but also serve a practical function, allowing the kitchen to be separated from the living room when necessary.
The living area features an extensive coffee corner – a nod to the investor’s passion for coffee. The hallway, previously treated as a transitional space, has gained a new character thanks to a spacious wardrobe and a centrally placed table that emphasises the axiality of the interior. Wooden joinery has been preserved throughout the flat, now beautifully harmonising with modern forms and a bold colour palette.
Walking through this flat is like taking a small, engaging journey. The spaces are revealed gradually, leading clockwise. Classic elements meet Memphis style and mid-century modern aesthetics. Intense colours do not dominate, but create a harmonious, energetic composition. It is an interior that not only catches the eye, but also tells a story – one of determination, respect for the existing architecture and the courage to give it a whole new dimension.
design: Agata Pierożyńska HabitatWnętrza
photos: Studio resources
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