Chwarzno-Wiczlino is one of Gdynia’s newer districts. What were once the city’s outskirts have, in a relatively short space of time, been transformed into a sprawling area of blocks of flats and houses, bordering the Tri-City Landscape Park. Soon, this area will be home to a new hub for residents to meet and socialise. In an architectural competition organised by the Hossa Group, a concept was selected for a catering and service facility inspired by Kashubia and the traditional architecture of farmsteads.
Chwarzno-Wiczlino seeks its own centre
Chwarzno-Wiczlino is currently Gdynia’s largest district, distinguished primarily by its abundance of forests, meadows and parks. The Hossa Group has been active here since the start of the area’s intensive development, and as early as 2012 organised Charrette workshops involving residents, urban planners and local government officials dedicated to the district’s future. Following the completion of housing estates such as Wiczlino-Ogród, Fort Forest and Sokółka Zielenisz, the developer decided to create a space that would bring together the daily lives of local residents.
The Hossa Group Competition
The new facility, designed for dining and services, will be built next to a park and a pond, in a walking and recreational area. The developer expected the competition entrants to submit a design that would blend well with the green surroundings and existing buildings, whilst encouraging residents to spend time there. Three architectural practices were invited to take part. OVO Grąbczewscy prepared several variants based on light forms and a wide opening onto the pond. The proposals included wooden pavilions with undulating roofs and geometric structures with green terraces. SIM Architekci, meanwhile, presented the “Q.R.K.A” concept, inspired by forest mushrooms. Their design is based on three reinforced concrete funnels supporting the roof, beneath which nine organically shaped premises are arranged.
The design by architect Marcin Woyciechowski’s team
However, the proposal by the team led by architect Marcin Woyciechowski, which draws on the character of a typical Kashubian settlement, won the jury’s highest praise. The composition of the winning concept consists of three structures inspired by the farmhouses of the historic villages of Chwarzno and Wiczlina. The northern section references half-timbered construction, the southern section brick architecture with ceramic roof tiles, whilst the central section has been given a simplified, light form with a distinctly contemporary expression. The thatched roof also catches the eye, treated as a deliberate reference to traditional Kashubian architecture.
Flexible interiors and space for residents
The designers from the team led by architect Marcin Woyciechowski have focused on offering great freedom in interior design and the possibility of dividing the building into nine independent catering or service premises. The three main structures will be able to operate separately, and the total usable area will reach nearly 1,240 square metres. Varying ceiling heights and large glazed areas facing the pond are intended to create a more open relationship with the surroundings and encourage residents to visit the new facility.
Chwarzno-Wiczlino with a new centre
However, this is only part of a larger development. On the other side of the pond, a two-storey building intended for the district’s residents will be constructed. The upper floor will house rooms for sports, educational and artistic activities, whilst the ground floor will feature service premises, shops and a small food court. The developer emphasises that the new facilities are intended to foster daily interactions among residents and support local initiatives, creating a welcoming space for people to spend time.
“Chwarzno-Wiczlino is a neighbourhood in which we have been heavily involved for many years, which is why we recognise the truly numerous grassroots initiatives of the local community. Our observations show that many interesting projects are very popular, but they are often hampered by a lack of suitable premises. I believe the new facility will be able to take on the role of a hub for various forms of community activity,” says Andrzej Mierzejewski, project director of the Chwarzno-Wiczlino Centre.
Source: Hossa Group
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Studio led by architect Marcin Woyciechowski
OVO Grąbczewscy
SIM Architects
