Katowice is set to welcome its first fully glazed apartment block – O27 Apartamenty Opolska. This development is set to set a new standard for residential living in the city, combining the European aesthetic of high-rise living with local character. Dawid Woliński, one of Poland’s most recognisable fashion designers, is responsible for the artistic direction of the communal areas. In this interview, he talks about working with architecture, designing luxury that works in everyday life, and why he decided to enter the world of interior design.
O27 Apartamenty Opolska is a development that symbolises the dynamic transformation of Katowice – a city that has been consistently building its image as a modern metropolis in recent years. A slender structure, floor-to-ceiling panoramic glazing in the flats, Poland’s first glazed skywalk suspended almost 100 metres above the ground, and extensive communal areas covering 750 square metres create a project unlike any other in the region to date.
It is precisely in these spaces – the lobby, Sky Lounge, residents’ club, co-working area and wellness zone – that Dawid Woliński has introduced his own distinctive aesthetic language. He told us how they came about.
Kamil Białas: O27 is Katowice’s first fully glazed residential building. How did this architectural feature influence your decisions regarding materials, colour schemes and lighting in the interiors?
Dawid Woliński: This question illustrates well how we worked with the architecture, rather than against it. At O27 Apartamenty Opolska, I was responsible for the artistic direction of the communal areas: the lobby, the Sky Lounge on the 29th floor, the residents’ club with its green terraces, the co-working space and the wellness area. When you have a panoramic view of Katowice through the window, there’s no point in trying to overshadow it with the interior. The city becomes the biggest picture – and a different one every day at that. That’s why I chose a calm palette of beiges, browns and earth tones, complemented by stone, wood and greenery. Light acts here like good set design: it emphasises textures and proportions, but doesn’t steal the show. I like interiors like this – calm at first glance, yet refined when you look more closely.
What aesthetic and functional principles did you adopt at the start of your work on the communal areas of O27? What was the absolute priority?
Ialways start with people, not with a mood board. A good interior cannot be merely the result of that initial ‘wow’ factor. It has to work every day. O27 boasts as much as 750 square metres of communal space with amenities that go beyond the standard in the property development market, so I was keen on classic and timeless solutions. ‘Premium’ shouldn’t look like seasonal decoration. I opted for light-coloured fabrics, which visually warm up the interiors, and a local touch: curtains made from a material that feels like the fabric of miners’ uniforms. It’s a nod to Katowice, but without being too literal and without dressing the interior up in a costume.
What challenges did you face in designing communal spaces for such a diverse group of users, ensuring they were simultaneously luxurious, durable and able to withstand heavy use?
The biggest challenge? To design luxury that isn’t afraid of real life. These spaces are meant to be used, not just photographed. Some will relax here after work, others will meet up with friends, work or spend time with neighbours. That is why we need both intimate zones and spaces that encourage socialising. A high standard does not mean excess. Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply space, the right proportions and the freedom to move about. Materials must be durable, easy to maintain and age well. True quality should look good not just in the opening-day photos.
The Sky Lounge on the 29th floor is one of the most spectacular spaces in the building. What was the design process for this space like?
When Trust Investment told me that O27 would feature Poland’s first glass-enclosed sky walk for residents, I knew one thing: the Sky Lounge couldn’t just be a spot for a quick selfie before heading back home. I wanted people to stay there for longer – for a summer’s evening, dinner or a get-together with neighbours. Hence the idea for a modern BBQ area, a long wooden table and a well-equipped kitchen. After all, we all know that the best parties and the most interesting conversations start in the kitchen. The view does its bit, but it’s the kitchen that creates the atmosphere.
The wellness area, with its sauna and graduation tower, is a space for tranquillity. How do you design luxury that is natural rather than ostentatious?
Luxury in a wellness area should be felt, not flaunted. It works like a perfectly tailored garment: nothing pinches, nothing dominates, everything makes sense. Visual tranquillity is paramount – a serene palette of warm wood and light-coloured fabrics, good proportions, and light that brings out textures rather than creating a showy effect. Quality is revealed up close here: in the precision of the joints, the feel of the fabric and the way the surfaces react to light. This is the kind of luxury that needs no announcement. You simply have to feel it.
The residents’ club, with its green terraces, combines recreational and social functions. What emotions did you want to evoke in the users of this space?
I wanted it to be more than just a nice space between the flat and the lift. The residents’ club is meant to foster a sense of closeness and belonging, but also to offer choice: you can meet neighbours here, relax or simply spend a moment on your own. Greenery, light and good design create an atmosphere in which it’s easy to unwind. The plants aren’t just decoration – they provide visual separation and create genuine privacy right in the heart of the city. Because in the city, it’s not just the view that’s a luxury, but also the chance to step away from it for a moment.
Why did you decide to take on the role of artistic director at O27 and move into the field of interior design?
Because fashion and interiors speak a similar language: that of proportion, material, light and emotion. There is one difference – a collection can be changed next season, whereas an interior must look good and function well for years to come. It’s a little less forgiving, but that’s precisely why it’s so fascinating. I pay a great deal of attention to my own space, so naturally I’ve channelled that passion into O27’s communal areas. I was also delighted to accept the offer to take on the role of artistic director because Katowice is undergoing a very interesting transformation. Modern skyscrapers are springing up here, the skyline is changing, and the high-rise style is no longer the exclusive preserve of Western metropolises. I wanted to be part of this change and give it its own character.
Thank you for the interview!
O27 Opolska Apartments is a development set to genuinely change the way people think about living in the centre of a major city. The first fully glazed apartment block in Katowice, featuring panoramic windows, a sky walk suspended almost 100 metres above the ground and extensive communal areas, is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2028. For more information, visit: www.o27.pl.
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