The conversion of a 1970s semi-detached house carried out by MFRMGR Architects is an example of how many possibilities so-called cube houses offer. Their simple massing allows the building to be easily remodelled and refreshed, which means that there is huge potential in the former semi-detached houses.
Conversion of a 1970s semi-detached house by MFRMGR Architects
The subject of the project is the reconstruction of a semi-detached house from the 1970s located on a small plot of land in a quiet and green district of Warsaw. The project was born out of the need to adapt the structure of the existing building to the individual needs of the client. The existing house was too small and non-functional. In order to start construction work, it was necessary to obtain approvals from the relevant authorities. Although there is no direct conservation protection over the building, the land on which it is located is protected. This had an impact on some of our design decisions. The main idea behind the design was to make the building visually neutral from the street and as little different from the neighbours as possible.
“Because of the semi-detached development, we focused on visual coherence. On the garden side, however, we introduced an overhanging volume. This procedure allowed us to streamline the functions inside and to link the view with the greenery in the garden.We have reorganised the interior layout significantly, while retaining the existing ceiling heights. The original functional programme, created decades ago, did not correspond to the modern needs of the family. The centrally located staircase restricted light access. It also made communication between the living rooms and the kitchen difficult. We also deepened the basement, while at the same time bringing light into some rooms.” – explain architects from MFRMGR Architects
Conversion of cube houses – interiors
A key undertaking, which was the starting point for creating a functional interior, was the reorganisation of vertical and horizontal communication. We designed two new open staircases – one leading from level -1 to the ground floor and the other connecting the ground floor to level 1.
“As designers, we focused on improving the operation of the ground floor space and adding the necessary elements requested by the investor. An important intervention was to enlarge the living room area and the vestibule by overhanging them above the building outline. This solution also resulted in more space for the kitchen, dining area and a comfortable vestibule. This also made it possible to introduce large windows on the garden side.” – add
On level -1, a garage, storage rooms, technical rooms, a bathroom and a room were created, providing light to key spaces through ‘recesses of light’. On the ground floor, in the entrance area, there is a dressing room and a toilet, while next to it a spacious kitchen with a long countertop and a dining area have been designed. The living area of the living room, furnished with sofas on the south side, has direct access to the garden. Three bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and bathtub and a dressing room are located on level 1. The owners’ bedroom has access to the terrace, partly located above the living room. Skylights have been provided to illuminate the staircase and the corridor.
“With this theme, the investor entrusted us with the architectural design as well as the interior design, which streamlined the process of realising the building and gave a consistent end result. Inside the building, we proposed bright colours and natural materials. The flooring is oak stave and polished concrete. The bathrooms are finished with marble tiles and quartz sinters.” – conclude
The front of the building is colourfully and stylistically related to the neighbouring segment. It is finished with natural plaster painted in light grey. We have recreated the windows with their original divisions. On the other hand, the block, which is overhanging from the side and garden, was made of grey concrete bricks. It features large windows with powder-coated aluminium frames. A subtle detail completing the brick façade are specially designed precast concrete elements that emphasise the quality of the façade composition.
Project metrics:
Project name – I5 / REDEVELOPMENT of a 1970s semi-detached house
Architects / Authors – MFRMGR Architekci / http://www.mfrmgr.pl
Team: Marta Frejda, Michał Gratkowski, Łukasz Ptak, Marcin Przygoda /
Greenery design – Marta Tomasiak / Landscape Practice.com / http://landscapepractice.com/
Project status – 2024 / completed
Usable area – 225.33 m2
Location – Warsaw, Poland
Photography – Oni Studio / https://oni.com.pl/
About the studio:
MFRMGR Architects – all the projects we create result from a combination of our temperaments, experiences and the way we see the world. The realisations are our own, and in each of them there is a particle of us. We are different, but we also bring out the common parts from this difference. We are aware that we create places and objects that are used by others. We have an impact on our surroundings. We are constantly changing and developing as the world changes.
In our way of working, we appreciate the tradition of the architectural profession. In addition to designing on the computer, we also work on mock-ups and draw by hand. Realisation is the result of the journey we go through during the entire design process. We try to ensure that our work responds to the needs of the client, but also that it makes us happy, as this drives us to invent new things. We like variety in our work. Both interesting clients and conditions, such as location, mean that virtually every project we do is different. We don’t take shortcuts, we don’t do stamps. When ordering a project from us, the investor gets a unique piece of work. One that meets his or her needs. Realised by a team of experienced people. We are aware that deadlines are important, as well as the budget of the investment.
We have gained experience working on significant investments in the largest design companies in the country. We work with proven industry professionals. Our portfolio includes interior and architectural projects. We work on the interiors of flats, catering establishments, office spaces. We design single-family houses, multi-family houses and entire residential complexes, offices and public buildings. We also design spaces between buildings and exhibitions. Our projects have been published in the press and media in Poland and around the world.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the only cube house conversion we have had the pleasure of describing. Below you will find some examples of publications on similar themes:
- A PRL CUBE TURNED INTO A MODERN VILLA! THIS IS ANOTHER SUCH PROJECT IN POZNAN!
- SINGLE FAMILY CUBE HOUSE IN SCANDINAVIAN STYLE. USED TO BE A GARAGE!
- CONVERSION OF A PRL CUBE HOUSE. ARCHITECTS TURNED IT INTO A MARVEL
- POZNAŃ: RECONSTRUCTION OF A PRL “CUBE” HOUSE. THE RESULT? MODEST AND NICE
- MODERNISATION OF A PRL CUBE HOUSE IN POZNAN [BEFORE AND AFTER]
- RENOVATION OF A PRL CUBE HOUSE. LOOKS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
- TURNED A PRL CUBE HOUSE INTO A MINIMALIST VILLA. THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE IN TEARY!
- METAMORPHOSIS OF A PRL CUBE HOUSE [BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS]
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Single-family house | Polish designers | Metamorphosis | whiteMAD on Instagram | Social realism