The modernisation of the Municipal Office in Węgierska Górka is one of those projects that do not attempt to dominate their surroundings, but consciously fit into the local context and respond to the real needs of residents. The project was designed by Wiewióra & Golczyk Architekci, led by Maciej Wiewióra, an architect who lives and works in this commune. This proximity translates into a pragmatic, responsible and user-oriented approach to the investment.
The reconstruction of the office building is part of a larger urban development plan, including the boulevards of the Soła River, the Aqua Relax sports and swimming pool complex, and an amphitheatre with a performance square. In this layout, the office serves as the first point of contact, and its architecture must be clear, accessible and adequate to the changes taking place in the public space.
Węgierska Górka is a special place for us. We live here, so its residents, our neighbours, are the closest recipients of our architecture, say the architects.
New functionality and greater accessibility
The modernised building retains its previous purpose, but gains solutions that improve comfort of use and work organisation. The most important element is a passenger lift connecting all above-ground floors, which is key to accessibility for people with disabilities and senior citizens. At the same time, the toilets for visitors on the ground floor have been rebuilt, and the representative spaces – the wedding hall and the session hall – have been enlarged and opened up to a view of the Beskids.
We design with people in mind and for people, and the municipal office building is one of the most everyday points of contact between residents and the municipality, add the authors of the project.
This is what the building looked like BEFORE the renovation:
Changes resulting from current fire safety regulations were also introduced, including the reconstruction of the staircase and the modernisation of internal installations. All the work was planned in such a way as to significantly improve the functionality of the building at a reasonable cost.
A clearly defined entrance area
One of the most visible effects of the renovation is the new entrance pavilion, which tidies up the front of the building and gives it a contemporary character. The sheltering of the external stairs improves safety and comfort of use, and the roof also covers bicycle parking spaces. Natural spruce wood from local suppliers was used in the entrance area — a material that warms the perception of the building and strengthens its connection with the region.
The dominant feature of the new composition is the lift shaft, finished with architectural concrete panels. It serves as a backdrop for the municipality’s coat of arms and at the same time organises the silhouette of the building. The glazing in the façade system adds lightness and opens the building to its surroundings.
A well-thought-out extension and a clear form
On the north side, part of the floor has been extended, enlarging the session hall and creating a roof over the entrance to the municipal library. One spatial decision serves several functions, improving both the parameters of the interiors and the quality of the space around the building. The whole is closed off by a new, dark roof surface with standing seam aluminium sheet metal. The number of roof slopes has been reduced and the dormers have been redesigned to visually organise the structure and give it a coherent, contemporary look.
The façades have been kept in a subdued palette of greys, complemented by wood and architectural concrete. These materials create a calm backdrop for new accents, while at the same time organising the image of the building, which, after modernisation, becomes clearer and more harmonious.
design: Maciej Wiewióra, Wiewióra & GolczykArchitekci
photos: Dorota Cembala
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