Dom Książki in Poznań, one of the most recognisable addresses in the capital of Greater Poland, has recently undergone a metamorphosis (read HERE). The interior design of the common areas and the Strona restaurant, located on the ground floor and in the basement of the building, is an example of a conscious approach to the history of the place and courage in its contemporary interpretation. The architects from OYKA studio focused on the authenticity of materials and the reinterpretation of modernist motifs, which in their new incarnation gain freshness and elegance.
In the common areas of the residential part of the building, it was crucial to preserve the modernist character of the House of Books. The investor decided to leave the original stone floor in the entrance hall – a mosaic of irregularly shaped Polish marbles, which became the starting point for further design decisions. Its contemporary interpretations appear on the upper floors in the form of decorative floor carpets, and the effect of combining the new with the old proved to be extremely successful. The renovated terrazzo on the staircases and the restored landings emphasise the respect for the original fabric of the building.
New life for the House of Books
The staircase balustrades have been given a new form, in line with contemporary standards, but retaining their modernist lightness. The slender profiles and rounded ends create a subtle detail that harmonises with the creamy white of the lift portals. The monochromatic base is broken up by cladding made of burl wood, a material popular in the 1970s, which is now making a comeback as a luxury veneer. In the corridors, attention is drawn to a steel grille with ornamental glass, which illuminates the space and evokes associations with old skylights.
Due to the limited height of the rooms, the lighting required special attention. Low surface-mounted fixtures inspired by the linear fluorescent lamps of modernism were used, and the corridors leading to the flats feature glass wall lamps by Tomasz Rudkiewicz, a designer whose works were part of everyday life in many flats during the communist era. The whole creates a coherent, refined image with no room for compromise.
Restaurant Strona
This consistency is continued in the Strona restaurant. The restaurant, visible from the beginning of Gwarna Street, is designed to attract with its light and openness. Raw, purified structural columns with modern lamps welcome guests like contemporary lanterns. The interior is based on a dialogue between the history of Dom Książki and the new function of the place, which combines literature, conversation and Paweł Salamon’s cuisine.
The authentic wild boar on the floor harmonises with the warm white of the shelving, natural plaster and soft curtains. The polished steel bar counter reflects the pattern of the floor, and above it hangs a light composition of frames filled with orange ornamental glass. A wooden display cabinet with turned supports runs along the façade, ideal for browsing the press over a cup of coffee.
The restaurant area opens with a communal table with asymmetrical turned legs, set against a woven kilim. The interior is complemented by period aluminium UFO chandeliers and a rich palette of fabrics in shades of green, butter yellow, orange and brown. Rojo Alicante red marble tables are interspersed with yellow lacquered glass, and the space is divided into several zones – from a box in a glass alcove to sculptural chrome armchairs by the wine rack.
The staircase leading to level -1 becomes a symbolic passage between the bright ground floor and the club atmosphere of the tasting area. Chechot cladding, a wooden balustrade, a circle of polished sheet metal with orange neon and a bold mosaic in an oak frame create an atmosphere full of character. The lower floor impresses with its details – wavy bench partitions, fabrics, woven paintings, a neon circle above the sideboard and a box seat wrapped in wicker and glass blocks.
design: OYKAstudio
team: Zuzanna Bojko and Dagmara, Zdanowicz – Wąsik
photos: Studio resources
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