Restoration of one of the most interesting examples of Warsaw’s interwar architecture is underway in Saska Kępa. The Wolframs’ House, now known by its two addresses Bajońska 2 and Paryska 3, is regaining its elegant appearance thanks to restoration work co-financed by a grant from the City of Warsaw. The project includes not only the restoration of the characteristic façade, but also a number of other elements to restore the building to its former form.
The Wolfram House – history
The tenement house was built in 1937 as an example of functionalism. Its most distinctive feature was the façade made of tiles made of mortar imitating stone. The plinth, however, was finished with clinker bricks, which are still preserved in their original form. Although the building still retains its original massing, over the years it has been covered with thin render, which has negatively affected its appearance. The division into two addresses is secondary and does not reflect the original concept, as the building was a whole from the beginning.
Scope of renovation works at Bajońska 2 and Paryska 3
The works carried out on behalf of the conservator include a wide range of activities. Among them are the repair of masonry damage, the restoration of the tiled façade by removing secondary layers and reinforcing the original elements, as well as the reconstruction of deficiencies in the composition. The balconies, their panels and metal railings, as well as the clinker plinth, are also being renovated. The biggest challenge for the restorers proved to be the restoration of the missing façade tiles. As such elements are not commercially available, they had to be made by hand. After many attempts, an effect almost identical to the original in both texture and colour was achieved. It is now certain that the restored façade will retain its integrity and character from years ago.
The Wolfram House and the financing of the restoration
The renovation of the Wolfram House has been partly financed by municipal funds. The work at Bajońska 2 was allocated PLN 299,000, which is almost 48 per cent of the cost. The part of the building at 3 Paryska Street was allocated PLN 178,000, which also covers almost half of the expenditure.
Source: Mazovian Regional Monuments Conservator
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