In one of Gdynia’s housing estates, a flat has been created that speaks with its own emphatic voice. Stoczniowa 22 is a project in which the architect draws handfuls from the city’s industrial history, especially its port and shipyard heritage. The result is a space with a strong character, combining urban energy with artistic expression – all on just 55 sq m and in two rooms. The flat in Gdynia by Iga Kozłowska of Koiga Studio is not afraid of colour, contrast and form. It is a contemporary interpretation of the spirit of the place and an architectural story in which history becomes the backdrop for modern aesthetics.
Living in Gdynia: harbour colours and materials with character
Rather than replicating the aesthetics of classic lofts, the Stoczniowa 22 project offers a unique take on the industrial atmosphere. It is not a literal reconstruction of shipyard spaces, but a subtle play with inspiration. Here, the structure becomes a vehicle for emotion and its austerity a background for forms of expression. The project aimed to create an interior that is both modern and rooted in the local context, and this idea was realised with surgical precision. The colour palette is a conscious design decision: the intense, saturated colours of the harbour containers, such as deep blue, carmine red and mustard yellow, are juxtaposed with the black of steel, the coolness of concrete and the warmth of wood. The materials are raw, but form a harmonious whole. The contrasts are not at odds with each other – on the contrary, they build up a tension that brings the interior to life.
The living room – the heart of the urban narrative
It is in the living room that the shipbuilding spirit resonates most strongly. Colours familiar from the harbour wharves have been incorporated into a space that balances between modernity and vintage flair. The focal point? A lamp from the 1970s in the style of Gaetano Sciolari: geometric, chrome-plated, almost sculptural, which gives rhythm to the entire arrangement. Above the kitchen island hangs a minimalist luminaire from the Polish brand Kaspa, which was awarded the Good Design 2024 title. The mustard sofa from Sits catches the eye with its form, and the glass relief from the Stanek.Wichlinski studio in a shade of navy blue adds depth. This is complemented by a light installation by Studio Creative. The illuminated stainless steel panel is a reminder of the industrial origins of the venue. The background for all this is the wallpaper from Arte – subdued, graphic and binding the whole composition together.
The bedroom – expression and intimacy
The bedroom is a space full of emotion. A bold, expressive, urban wallpaper reminiscent of graffiti appears on one wall. Next to it stands a brass, spherical lamp of Polish manufacture from the 1960s, in a space age aesthetic. This combination of austerity and retro light builds an intriguing atmosphere. The focal point of the room is the expressive and surprising for such a small space bed made by the Polish brand Francke Art, accompanied by transparent bedside tables by Kartell from Italy, which add a touch of lightness. It is completed by a mirrored glass console in blue by Giera Design: reflective and luminous, it introduces optical depth.
Flat in Gdynia and unusual solutions
The Stoczniowa 22 project does not resort to literalism. Instead of obvious industrial props, it relies on emotions. It combines retro-futurism with a brutalist aesthetic, uses wallpaper as an artistic statement, and transforms the history of the city into an architectural narrative. It is not the shipyard, it is its essence, captured in form, light and colour.
About the author
Iga Kozlowska, an architect who runs her own Koiga Studio, designs customised spaces with a focus on direct communication, accuracy and an ethical approach. She trained in Poland, Portugal and Italy and gained experience in renowned studios. She has been working independently since 2020. She follows ecological principles in her work, choosing environmentally friendly solutions. Her passion is the restoration of furniture, which gets a new life.
Design and styling: Koiga Studio | Iga Kozłowska
Photographer: INKADR Natalia Kaczmarek(instagram)
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