A new development called Pałacowy Ogród is being planned on Miodowa Street in Warsaw’s city centre, which has had no equivalent in the entire capital so far. The ambitious project calls for the comprehensive renovation of the historic Lessl tenement house and the erection of a new residential building deep in the quarter, on the site of buildings destroyed during World War II. The BBGK Architekci studio is responsible for the concept, and the investor is Maciej Zajdel, who for years has been involved in the renovation of buildings presenting a high historical value.
“This is the first and only project of its kind in Warsaw,” – emphasises the property owner.
Miodowa Street and its significance
The history of Miodowa Street goes back several centuries and plays a very important role in the history of Warsaw. The urban layout of the street, which is still known today, developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the neighbourhood was promoted to become the seat of the magnates and aristocracy. At that time, there were as many as 13 palaces along the short stretch, seven of which have survived to the present day. Among them are the Krasiński, Radziwiłł and Młodziejowski palaces. Iconographic evidence of the street’s former appearance remains Canaletto’s painting “Miodowa Street” from 1777, which played an important role in the post-war reconstruction of the city. The current buildings were largely built in the 1940s and 1950s, and the whole area has been under the protection of the conservation officer since 1965.
Scope of the Palace Garden development
The Pałacowy Ogród project, which is being carried out on behalf of OTB Poland, includes the renovation of the front building at 18 Miodowa Street and the erection of a new residential building in the interior of the quarter. The new part of the development will occupy a site undeveloped since the end of the war and previously used as a car park. The BBGK Architekci studio, known for its nationally and internationally acclaimed projects, including the Katyn Museum on the Warsaw Citadel and a residential building on Sprzeczna Street, is responsible for drawing up the architectural documentation.
History and renovation of the Lessl tenement house
The H. Lessl tenement house was built between 1816 and 1819 according to a design by Friedrich Albert Lessl. Initially, it served a residential function and in time became the headquarters of the company Franciszek Fuchs and Sons, which produced chocolate. Over the following decades, the building was extended, but retained the classicist form of the façade. Destroyed in 1945, the building was rebuilt between 1948 and 1954, preserving the historic appearance of the front. The outbuildings were not reconstructed, leaving an open space in their place. There are now plans to extensively renovate the classicist monument and restore its residential functions. Instead, the ground floor and basement will be used for services.
New architecture in the depths of the quarter
The inner part of the establishment, which has been empty for several decades, will be supplemented by a new residential building with flats on an intimate scale. Its height has been matched to the front building, as recommended by the conservation officer. The upper storeys have been further set back, so that the new block will remain almost invisible from the street’s perspective. The building will have horizontal balconies and terraces, opening towards the Old Town, the Royal Castle and further parts of Warsaw. A garden accessible to residents, inspired by the tradition of palace gardens, is planned for the roof.
Greenery and materials as part of the composition
The façade colours of the new building will be kept in shades of green and brown, referring to the copper roofs of the surrounding palaces and the greenery of their courtyards. Vegetation, present on the facades, terraces and roof, remains an important element of the composition.
“The building will be a discreet addition to the existing buildings, invisible from the perspective of Miodowa Street and Podwale. The colour scheme and greenery will fit into the context of the palace courtyards and gardens in the neighbourhood,” – says Wojciech Kotecki of studio BBGK Architekci.
Preparations for the Pałacowy Ogród investment
Work on the project took more than five years and involved a wide range of experts in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and engineering. Detailed historical research was carried out, analyses and design concepts were prepared, and the required administrative decisions were obtained.
“Over the past years, we have worked with a team of dozens of outstanding specialists. The result is complete official and conservation agreements that make the investment possible,” – concludes Maciej Zajdel.
The realisation of the Palace Garden is part of a larger process of change that has taken place and is still taking place in the area around Miodowa Street. In recent years, several important palaces and other monuments have been renovated here and new functions have been introduced.
Source: BBGK Architekci
Read also: Renovation | Tenement | City | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland
The H. Lessel tenement house in the 1920s and today. Source: Polona and Google Maps
