The historic townhouse at 22 Jagiełły Street in Oświęcim will soon undergo a spectacular transformation. The project, prepared by the KRU Architekci studio, envisages the modernisation and superstructure of the existing building, as well as the addition of a striking façade on the side of the courtyard. The investor is Oświęcimskie Towarzystwo Budownictwa Społecznego, which is carrying out another project as part of its Old Town revitalisation programme. The project is currently at the concept stage approved by the Provincial Office for Historic Preservation in Kraków, and the construction project is scheduled to be completed by the end of September 2025.
Jagiełły 22 – existing condition and design assumptions
The building located at 22 Jagiełły Street is a three-storey tenement house with an unused attic. The building is part of a compact frontage development and adjoins taller buildings. It currently houses seven flats with a total floor area of 451 square metres. The main entrance is located in the central axis and leads to the inner courtyard. The project involves extending the property deeper into the plot and adding one additional storey and a usable attic. Upon completion, the number of units will increase to 18 and the total floor area will reach approximately 1091 sq m.
Architectural form and conservation protection
Due to the inclusion of the building under conservation protection and its location in the zone of strict protection of the urban layout of Oświęcim, the project was developed in consultation with the Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments in Kraków. It was led by Dr. Jacek Chrząszczewski, an architect and art historian. The main façade will retain its historical character by continuing the details and architectural divisions from the lower floors. In addition, new elements will be introduced, such as two small balconies at the front, dormer windows providing light to the attic and a wooden veranda on the side of the courtyard overlooking the greenery. A new staircase and lift shaft have also been designed into the building. There will be four flats on the ground floor, five each on the first and second floors, and four in the attic as well.
Scope of modernisation works at Jagiełły 22
The planned investment includes comprehensive thermo-modernisation of the building. It is planned to insulate the external walls on the east and west sides, insulate the foundation walls, and renovate the front door and the door leading to the courtyard. The building will also receive new window frames. Work is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and is expected to be completed in January 2028. After the modernisation, the inconspicuous tenement house on Jagiełły Street will be transformed into an impressive residential building that fits in well with the historic fabric of the city.
Source: otbs.eu, KRU Architekci – Architekt Krzysztof Rudzielewicz
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The tenement house now and after reconstruction. Photo: kodens79/fotopolska.eu and KRU Architekci
The building before and after the redevelopment. Photo: KRU Architects
