In a pre-war tenement house in Wrzeszcz, one of the most “tenement-like” parts of Gdańsk, an apartment has been created that combines history and modernity in an extremely mature way. A young couple of doctors, Wiktor and Daria, entrusted Raca Design Studio with the task of creating an 80 sq m interior that would not only preserve the spirit of the building but also meet their contemporary needs. The architects approached this challenge with great sensitivity, restoring the original design elements and creating a space that harmoniously fits in with the character of the tenement house.
One of the most important assumptions was to expose the original floorboards and use them as the final layer of the floor. It was this measure that determined the minimal scope of changes in the functional layout. In order not to disturb the pattern of the floor, the architects limited themselves to recreating the enfilade between the largest rooms and separating the wardrobe accessible from the bedroom through a former, bricked-up doorway. The smallest room disappeared, and its space was added to the kitchen, which finally had room for a dining table and an island – an element particularly important to the owners.
Tailor-made
The whole interior is decorated in a warm colour palette. The light beige of the walls and built-in furniture harmonises with the shade of the wooden floor and veneers, creating an atmosphere inspired by mid-century aesthetics. The interior is enlivened by accents of muted orange and burgundy in the accessories and lighting, while black and steel details add expressiveness to the composition.
The living room has gained a new quality thanks to the enlargement of the entrance from the corridor and the restoration of the double doors leading to the study. The space has become more open, while regaining its former character. Soft forms and calm materials dominate here, creating an atmosphere conducive to rest. Against the backdrop of this subdued arrangement, a black and white Berber rug and custom-made coffee tables stand out – one with burgundy tiles, the other with a chessboard motif. The wall lamps by the Polish brand Nodi Studio, designed in colours created especially for this project, also attract attention.
Versatile room functions
The study, connected to the living room by a suite of rooms, has been partially reduced in size by a wardrobe accessible from the bedroom. However, it still serves as a comfortable place to work, with a long, two-seater desk supported by a single leg. The built-in furniture conceals a utility cupboard and a “cat highway” – a system of shelves and storage compartments for the owners’ two cats. On the side wall, there is a fold-out sofa for guests, giving the room an additional function.
The kitchen was designed as a separate room, separated from the hallway by a sequence of two arched passages finished with wooden bands (admittedly, they look great!). Due to the limited space in the bathroom, a cupboard with a washing machine and dryer was also placed in the kitchen, using the existing plumbing connections. The refrigerator was integrated into the side wall, next to tall cargo-type cabinets, which allowed for ergonomics and order to be maintained.
Bravo for the details!
The lower cabinets are covered with a steel worktop integrated with the sink, introducing a raw counterpoint to the warmth of the wood. The open shelves above the worktop are also made of steel. The work area is finished with small tiles with light burgundy grout, which subtly emphasises their pattern. The same shade returns on the kitchen island, covered with 5 × 5 cm tiles, making the island one of the most distinctive elements of the flat.
The bedroom was designed as a space for tranquillity. The wooden headboard, stretching across the entire width of the room, organises its proportions and introduces a calm, harmonious visual composition. Subdued colours, soft textiles and spot lighting create an atmosphere conducive to rest, while the direct connection to the wardrobe allows for order and minimalism.
The bathroom, although small, has been designed with great attention to detail. The glazed shower area visually enlarges the space and lets in more natural light. Light, small tiles are combined with terrazzo on the floor and a stone countertop with a distinctive pattern. The strongest accent is the burgundy-coloured ceiling – a bold move that completes the composition and introduces a pleasant feeling of cosiness, while referring to the colour scheme present in the other rooms.
design: Raca DesignStudio
photos: Hanna Połczyńska –Kroniki
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