In the heart of Gostyn, on the site of the former State Machine Centre, a project was carried out to convert an old building into a modern Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine. The task was tackled by architects from Informal Architects. The building, whose shape is reminiscent of a Polish manor house, underwent a comprehensive reconstruction that combined the historical value of the building with the functionality of a modern clinic.
The building was constructed in the 1950s as the administrative headquarters of the State Machine Centre (POM). Its massive mass with elements of socialist realist architecture today is a unique example of post-war industrial design. After decades of use, the structure had weakened and its technical condition required large-scale intervention.
During the inventory work, the architects found many interesting objects, including a bust of Vladimir Lenin, which was worn by the workers working at the plant during the Labour Day holiday.
The investor entrusted the architects with the preparation of a full set of design documentation, including: conceptual design, construction design, detailed design and interior design. The architects were therefore responsible for treating the subject comprehensively. The total area of the building is 496 square metres. The main challenge was to reconcile the existing historical elements with the requirements of the aesthetic medicine clinic.
A key design consideration was the addition of two symmetrical wings to the rear of the building. The new segments, highlighted by a modern corten finish, create a clear contrast with the original block. This treatment allowed the historic architecture to be exposed, while at the same time integrating the clinic into the surrounding post-industrial landscape.
After crossing the clinic’s threshold, the visitor enters a representative hallway, where the reception counter takes centre stage. The space encompasses the ground floor and a mezzanine floor in the attic. To optically enlarge the interior and let in more natural light, the designers removed the existing ceiling. The exposed roof truss, supported by steel beams, became the decorative element of the interior.
Move the slider BEFORE and AFTER:
For the sake of consistency inside and out, the same material – weathering – was used, which appears on both the façade of the new wings and on the reception wall inside. The rusty texture, thanks to a natural patination process, on the one hand stands out from the austere whitewashed façade of the old building, and on the other refers to the industrial character of the surroundings.
Move the slider BEFORE and AFTER:
The redevelopment of the former POM building is an example of the successful adaptation of a post-industrial building for new service functions. The aesthetic medicine clinic combines respect for history with the needs of patients seeking comfort and professionalism. This investment demonstrates how, with a well-considered architectural concept and bold material solutions, new quality can be breathed into buildings of high historical value. The clinic in Gostynin is an inspiration for future post-industrial adaptations, proving that the dialogue between past and modern can be a source of exceptional spaces.
source: Informal Architects
interior photography: Resource Studio
other photos: Informal Architects
Read also: Metamorphosis | Featured | Interesting | Health | whiteMAD on Instagram
