The transformation of the historic Borek Pressure Tower in Wrocław into a Fine Spot is proof of how a space full of subtle elegance and wine culture can be created with respect for history. The building, built at the beginning of the 20th century to a design by Karl Klimm, has retained the spirit of industrial architecture while transforming into a meeting place for gourmets and lovers of contemporary design. The Modelina Architekci team is responsible for the new interior design.
The original function of the tower, once crucial to the city’s water supply system, became the inspiration for the entire interior concept. The raw brick construction, the original clinker floor and the steel gate with water motif were taken as the foundation for an architectural narrative in which the past and the present merge.
We were keen to preserve the character of the site, but at the same time give it a new identity that resonates with its history. The tower itself suggested solutions to us – its austere structure became the starting point for building the interior,” says Paweł Garus, architect from mode:lina.
His team opted for minimalist forms and natural materials, leaving the raw walls as a counterpoint to the subtle decorative accents.
The centrepiece of the space is a bar with an open kitchen, the layout of which reflects the octagonal geometry of the interior. Situated around the eight walls, the seating provides a sense of intimacy while also accommodating larger tasting events. Gentle portal lighting guides guests through the successive zones, revealing every detail of the composition.
Materials and lighting have been composed to create a dialogue with the architecture of the former tower. The intense colour of brick and glass harmonises with the subdued concrete surfaces, while metal accents allude to the building’s industrial pedigree. Wooden elements and soft, rounded forms of furniture introduce cosiness, balancing out the austerity of the surroundings.
‘Fine Spot is a place where guests can discover the flavours of wine and cuisine in a space that not only tells a story, but also builds a new experience,’ adds Anita Lupa, co-author of the project. Her focus is on the atmosphere of the interior, which gains depth and temperature thanks to the precise lighting.
Steel tubes with linear light accentuate the vertical dynamics of the tower, emphasising the height and rhythm of the interior. Reflections on the glass surfaces introduce a play of light that changes according to the time of day. A lighting system composed in this way allows the Fine Spot’s mood to change – from austere and ascetic during the day to warm and intimate in the evening.
The Fine Spot in the Borek Pressure Tower is an example of the harmonious adaptation of historical architecture to contemporary catering functions. Here, austerity intertwines with elegance, and the architectural heritage of the building becomes an integral element adorning the interior.
design: Modelina Architekci
photography: Patryk Lewiński
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