The renovation of the miller’s house is nearing completion. Krakow’s monument looks like it did years ago

The renovation of the monument known as the miller’s house is nearing completion. It is located on Klasztorna Street in Mogiła – part of Krakow’s Nowa Huta district. The rescued building will be given a new function. It will offer an opportunity to learn about the history of Mogiła, as well as to enjoy a gastronomic offer. The building is an example of the disappearing wooden architecture of an old village near Krakow.It was the seat of several generations of Mogiła millers

It was erected in 1870 just outside the walls of the Cistercian monastery in Mogiła, as a residential part of the water mill complex. During the communist period, the use of the mill was discontinued and the wooden part of its structure was demolished. The neighbouring building of wooden quarters was also destroyed

The house during the works. Photo: Nowa Huta less known

The Cistercians bought the property back from private hands in 2019. At the time, it was in a state that threatened to become a building disaster. Work to save the house was undertaken at the last minute. These consisted of demolition, conservation and reconstruction of the monument, restoring its original character and form. The house was demolished in 2021 . The structural elements were disinfected and fumigated. The structure was then put back together. It was possible to save 90% of the historic fabric. The remaining 10% was reconstructed using traditional methods. The windows were reconstructed in their original size and form, in accordance with the joinery elements found in the attic. In addition, the tiled cooker and original interior doors were restored, the wooden floors, the historic colour scheme of the building and the shingled roof were restored. Its altered shape was proposed on the basis of a historic photograph, which shows that it formerly had a pediment

The miller’s house in 2008 and 2023. Photo: Leonowicz Architekci

The miller’s house in 2010 and 2023. Photo by Leonowicz Architekci and Historic Preservationist

The building before the renovation and at the end of the works. Photo: SKOZK office and Nowa Huta less known

Once the renovation is complete, the rooms to be furnished inside are to be museum-like, and the house itself will be incorporated into the Museum of Cistercian History and Spirituality. The concept of the whole project also includes the restoration of the above-ground buildings of the former mill, which were demolished decades ago. Saving the miller’s house is an investment of more than one million euros. The project is mostly (over 70 per cent) financed from a grant awarded by the Social Committee for Renovation of Krakow Monuments. The designer was the Leonowicz Architekci Sp. z o.o. company and the contractor was Wojciech Pawlikowski Tatrzańska “Junior” company

Source: Leonowicz Architekci , lovekrakow.pl

Read also: Architecture | Renovation | City | Krakow | Architecture in Poland | Wood