A 187sq m villa in Milanowek has regained its former character. The redevelopment of the building was an ambitious undertaking to restore it to its original 1940s and 1950s appearance. The building, originally a family home, was heavily altered in the 1990s by the new owner, who significantly extended the structure. Years later, when the villa was returned to the hands of the original owners, it was decided to restore its former appearance while bringing it up to modern standards to create a luxurious home for the family.
Work on the villa began with the removal of all the alterations made in the 1990s, including an extra floor, an attic and a newly added staircase. This allowed the original structure of the building to be restored, with the interiors of the ground floor, basement and distinctive semi-circular terrace largely intact. In order to meet modern requirements, it was necessary to raise the first floor and deepen the basement foundations to make full use of these spaces. A new sunken terrace was also designed in the basement to provide additional natural light.
Originally, the first floor of the villa was not in use, so to meet the requirements of a modern house, it was extended to accommodate the necessary rooms. A new staircase with a semi-circular shape was also designed, which ties in with the ground floor terrace, bringing coherence to the overall design. In addition, the house has been enhanced with new brickwork, pergolas and the original window layout has been restored.
The villa in Milanowek before and after reconstruction
The layout of the rooms on the ground floor was largely retained, with minor modifications such as the addition of a large bathroom and a new staircase in the central part of the building. The kitchen has been relocated closer to the dining room, creating a space ideal for everyday family life and hosting guests. The ground floor also includes a spacious vestibule, a study that can be used as an additional bedroom.
On the first floor, which was previously unused, the load-bearing walls were removed, allowing for a new room layout. Two comfortable bedrooms were created there, one of which was equipped with an additional wardrobe, and a functional bathroom. The basement, previously unused, was subjected to intricate foundation work, allowing for additional living space. It now contains a large recreation room, a dressing room, a bathroom and a technical room.
During the restoration work, the original window and door openings were restored and part of the walls were covered with clinker cladding, which emphasises the characteristic elements of the building and distinguishes the newly added part, including a staircase with a skylight and a bay window. From the garden side, the house hardly differs from the original. On the driveway side, the building has gained new elements such as a glazed bay window on the first floor and a semi-circular wall bounding the basement terrace. The whole harmoniously combines modern functions with the original modernist style, creating a coherent and elegant architectural solution.
Authors: URBAA – urbański architecture & interiors, architect Jarosław Urbański
Interior design: URBAA – urbański architecture & interiors, architect Jarosław Urbański
Construction: FC Projekt Andrzej Czardybon
Investor: private
Site area: 1491 sq. m.
Building area: 134.4 sq m.
Usable area: 186.9 sq m.
Total area: 314.0 sq m.
Implementation: 2018-2022
Photos: Piotr Krajewski
Read also: Achitektura w Polsce | Interiors | Metamorphosis | Single-family house | Modernism | whiteMAD on Instagram
