The Urzeka housing estate in Gdańsk was awarded five stars in the European Property Awards 2025 competition in the Landscape Architecture category. This is the highest possible rating, awarded only to projects that set the direction for the development of contemporary residential architecture in Europe. The award paves the way for the investment to move on to the next stage – the International Property Awards, where it will compete for the title of one of the best projects in the world.
The award confirms that Urzeka is an example of conscious design, in which care for nature, aesthetics and functionality form a coherent whole. The jury particularly appreciated the consistent approach to the design of common spaces, their natural character and solutions conducive to relaxation, integration and biodiversity. The focus was on green courtyards, a park in the Oruński Stream valley, a natural playground and a wooden viewing platform, which together create a unique everyday landscape for residents.
The success of the investment is the result of cooperation between many teams. Special recognition should be given to the Meso Architekci and Studio Krajobraz studios, whose sensitivity and ability to work with the terrain allowed them to bring out the potential of the place and give it a new quality. Thanks to them, the former, difficult-to-access Oruński Stream valley has become an open, friendly recreational space, accessible to all residents of the area.
The transformed area has become a natural extension of the Urzeka housing estate, which was designed from the outset in accordance with the idea of a 15-minute city. Green courtyards, convenient walking and cycling routes and intimate resting places have been created within the quarters. The new recreational space has enriched this structure, offering residents a place for daily activities, meetings and fun.
One of the most distinctive features is the natural playground, designed with creativity and free exploration in mind. Wooden climbing structures, off-road slides, balancing ropes and plant mazes create an environment that supports the development of the youngest residents and encourages contact with nature. Nearby, there is a viewing platform made of local wood, subtly integrated into the surroundings. It is a place where residents can relax, watch birds or participate in outdoor events, especially in spring and summer.
The valley has been divided into three green zones – natural, residential and urban – which has allowed the natural character of the area to be preserved while introducing elements that make it easier to use on a daily basis. In the natural zone, local forest communities have been recreated using species such as English oak, common hornbeam, silver birch and common beech. These are complemented by ground cover plants and ferns, which create a coherent, natural landscape.
An integral part of the project are retention ponds and rain gardens, which collect rainwater, protect the area from flooding and support vegetation during periods of drought. They are also important habitats for birds, amphibians and insects, increasing the biodiversity of this part of the city. Numerous replacement plantings have also been introduced, selecting species that are resistant to local conditions and friendly to fauna.
The comfort of residents is enhanced by the restriction of car traffic. Vehicles only travel on the estate’s ring road, while the central part is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. This allows everyone, regardless of age or ability, to safely enjoy the green areas.
The Oruński Stream Valley has become a place where everyday life intertwines with nature. Family gatherings, physical activity, weekend picnics and environmental education create a coherent, living fabric here. The European Property Awards 2025 confirm that the values behind the investment – responsibility, aesthetics and closeness to nature – are also recognised internationally. For the creators of Urzeka, this is not only a source of pride, but also an impulse to further develop projects that realistically improve the quality of life of residents.
source: domesta.com.pl
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