The renovation of this 1990s house in Poznań was no easy task. The property was surrounded by a vast garden, which had grown so overgrown over time that the house had almost completely disappeared amidst the lush greenery. The interiors, meanwhile, bore the marks of decades of neglect and disorder. The owners therefore decided on a complete modernisation under the guidance of Lotna Studio. The architects reorganised the layout, introduced more light and employed a new palette of materials, with wood playing a central role.
A house hidden in the garden
A long driveway leads to the property, enhancing the residents’ sense of seclusion and privacy. Surrounded by tall vegetation, the building evoked associations with a traditional Polish manor house, yet its interiors told a completely different story. The numerous small rooms made it difficult to find one’s way around the house, and the limited access to light meant that the individual rooms seemed dark and even smaller than they actually were. Lotna Studio, led by Marianna and Agata Cieślak in collaboration with Via Nova Pracownia Architektury, was responsible for the extensive refurbishment of the property. The architects focused on streamlining the functional layout and limiting the number of finishing materials, so that after years of chaos, the interiors could finally be given a cohesive and elegant character.
Renovation of a 1990s house
The key change in the house was the opening up of the hall and living room. This made the interiors much clearer and more transparent; they have practically ‘breathed new life’ into the space, and daylight can finally reach the central parts of the building freely. The main axis of the entire layout is a square-plan space serving as a circulation area, from which the stairs and the living areas are accessible. A wide passageway leading to the living room was designed next to the staircase. A solid round table, designed specifically for this interior, has been placed in the bay window. It is around this table that the household’s daily life and family gatherings centre. The open-plan living room draws the eye towards the still lush garden.
The dominance of dark wood
The first floor is designated as the private area. Particularly noteworthy here is the original wooden ceiling, which has been preserved and refurbished. Its surface is now darker, harmonising well with the deep tones of the wooden floors. In this way, two distinctive surfaces have been created, enveloping the interiors in an atmosphere of almost tangible tranquillity. The design makes consistent use of natural materials. The dominant material is oak, whose dark hue runs through all the rooms. It is complemented by subtly contrasting granite, and this combination emphasises the exceptionally refined character of the entire new interior scheme.
About the studio:
Lotna Studio is a Poznań-based design studio run by sisters Marianna and Agata Cieślak. Their firm specialises in architectural and interior design, focusing on simplicity, balance and the conscious avoidance of excess. In their projects, the designers focus on creating calm, functional spaces tailored to the everyday lives of their users. Their designs often rely on natural materials, a clear interior layout and attention to detail.
design: Lotna Studio
collaboration: Via Nova Architecture Studio
area: 320 sq m
photography: Jacek Margol
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