The Wielopolski townhouse, located in Warsaw’s Mokotow district, is an excellent example of modernist architecture from the late 1930s and early 1940s. It was designed by architect Zygmunt Plater-Zyberk and built in 1938. Its history is inextricably linked to the post-war reconstruction, and the tenement itself stands out from the surrounding buildings thanks to its unique style and functionality.
The Wielopolski family, who were wealthy owners of the property, acquired the plot at the corner of Pulawska and Narbutta Streets in 1937. They commissioned architect Zygmunt Plater-Zyberk to design a modern building that was to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. The 1205 sq m plot of land was purchased from A. Zygler and M. G. Koper, and plans for construction began as early as 1934.
The construction of the building took place in two stages: the wing on the side of Puławska Street was built between 1938 and 1939, and its settlement took place after the war. The second part of the building, the wing on the Narbutta Street side, was not completed until 1949-1952, after an interruption caused by warfare, which damaged part of the building. After the end of the war, reconstruction and finishing of the ground floor began and the damaged sections were renovated.
The Wielopolski House in 1982 and 2020. Source: Stolica weekly, No. 14 (1787), 20.06.1982 and Bogdan JS/photopolska.eu
The tenement is distinguished by its modernist form and thoughtful functionality. The architect has designed a building with six floors. The property has a distinctive “L” shape, which is the result of fitting in with the shape of the plot and the surrounding buildings. The rounded corner of the building emphasises its modern character.
The elevations of the building are finished with Szydłowiec sandstone – on the Puławska side in a light yellowish-grey shade, and on the Narbutta side in grey. The courtyard elevations, on the other hand, are covered with speckled plaster. A distinctive element is the glazed ground floor, which gives the tenement a light appearance.
The Wielopolski Tenement House has been designed with the comfort of its residents and commercial premises on the ground floor in mind. Thirty-five flats and six commercial premises, including shops and a bistro bar, were planned for the building. The interior architecture was also in line with modern requirements, with spacious staircases and comfortable flats.
The building structure is based on a reinforced concrete post-and-beam frame and solid ceramic brick walls. All ceilings in the tenement are ceramic-reinforced concrete, which ensures high durability. The design also includes steel beams and reinforced concrete lintels, which was characteristic of 1930s modernist architecture.
After the end of the Second World War, between 1945 and 1952, the building was gradually finished. The wing facing Narbutta Street was completed and the ground-floor commercial premises were adapted for new functions. During the communist period, the building underwent a number of minor renovation works, including the modernisation of the heating system, the replacement of the roof, and the modernisation of the interiors.
In the 1960s, the tenement was connected to the municipal heating network, and further renovation work was carried out at the turn of the 20th century, including the replacement of most of the wooden windows with PVC. In 2015, the roof was extensively repaired and the plumbing replaced. Further maintenance work is planned, including renovation of the façade to restore the building to its former glory.
The damage is mainly visible on the plasterwork of the courtyard elevations, the balconies, and the sandstone cladding on the front elevation, which has eroded. The planned renovation works include the restoration of the facades and the replacement of damaged windows and doors.
Source: zabytek.pl
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