The overhanging block of flats, overwhelming the historic buildings, was met with crushing criticism from the local community. However, the project, which is being carried out under the developer's lex mode, has not been abandoned. A new concept for the development on the site of the former Perun factory was prepared by WWAA office.
first concept from 2020
photo. investor materials
The project by Latergrupa Architekci was presented in 2020. It assumed the construction of seven-story blocks of flats that would absorb the small post-industrial halls of the former factory. Representatives of the Kamionek Estate Residents' Self-Government, the City Is Ours and the Windmill Association loudly protested against the project. They appealed to the city not to allow the implementation of an investment of such large dimensions, contrary to the provisions of the local zoning plan.
new city squares
interior visualization
photo WWAA
Two years later, a new development concept for the site saw the light of day. This time the project was entrusted to the WWAA studio, responsible, among other things, for the blocks of flats being built in the neighborhood in the so-called Soho area. What has changed in the new concept is, first of all, the partial breakdown of the development and its withdrawal, the creation of several squares and a network of public spaces, as well as better exposure of the historic buildings. The halls, with a total area of about 1,200 square meters, which are under conservation protection, will be revitalized, preserving the original elements, gantries, details and decorations. In the future, there will be retail, service and catering establishments.
estate plan
Photo: WWAA
One of the architects' main objectives is to maximize the exposure of the four preserved red brick halls, which will be visible to everyone moving around the Perun Factory on foot, by streetcar or by car. To this end, the design includes substantial entrance gates as high as three stories and as wide as 15 meters, which will open a new viewing axis from Grochowska Street toward the green Elekcyjne Blonia.
townhouses in the shadow of blocks of flats
Still, tall 7-story blocks are planned on the side of the intimate Stanislaw August Street. The development in this place is mainly a frontage of small 3-4 story townhouses. The new development will introduce a completely alien scale to this place, dominating the street and changing its existing character.
visualization from Stanisława Augusta street
photo: WWAA
The architecture of the buildings is intended by the authors to refer to the industrial heritage of the area, characterized by the functionality of former factories, a disciplined rhythm of façade openings and window layouts, and restrained details.
roads in exchange for green light
visualization
Photo: WWAA
The new concept for the Perun Factory development calls for the creation of some 270 apartments. A total of about 2,000 sqm of space has been allocated for retail and service units. Also planned are a kindergarten, a playground, as well as new and revitalized green areas - within the development and in its surroundings. A single-level underground parking garage will be built under part of the development. If the project is completed, the investor will participate in improving the quality of the road system in the area.
Perun factory
visualization
Photo: WWAA
The Perun factory is one of the oldest examples of industrial architecture in Grochow. Since 1913, the "Perun" Joint-Stock Society of Oxygen and Apparatus Factories - the first factory in Poland to manufacture modern welding equipment - had been thriving here. The factory's buildings survived both world wars, and the factory itself, undergoing successive ownership and spatial transformations, continued to operate and develop until the early 21st century.
