Gdansk is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, dotted with its rich history and architectural heritage. Another unique addition to its landscape is the Nadmotlawie development, located right on the river - the only Polish project in the Multi family category to make it to the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition. ROBYG is thus changing the face of Polski Hak and the Motława waterfront.
The Nadmotława housing estate in Gdansk in the final of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
a place with unusual potential
Polski Hak, formerly known mainly as a rafters' harbor and later already a shipbuilding area, played a key role in the development of the shipbuilding industry in Gdansk. From the 19th century until the interwar period, it was known not only for shipbuilding, but was also a place of active social and economic life. Over time, the industrial buildings were demolished and the promontory remained undeveloped for a long time. However, this picturesque area, located at the mouth of the two rivers Motława and the Dead Vistula, is currently undergoing a transformation.
The first visit to the site was a trudge through a narrow road overgrown with tall weeds on both sides. However, the post-industrial landscape has changed its face thanks to our vision and efforts. Cooperation with the City Authorities, reliable Partners, construction of new roads, comprehensive modernization and sustainable and unique architectural development has made the area of Polski Haka start to exude harmony and modern style, thus becoming a friendly place to live , says Marcin Charun, ROBYG Projects Director.
This is only the beginning of the transformation of the area. The first buildings under the Nadmotlawie development are slated for occupancy in 2020, and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. ROBYG's plot also extends to the waterfront of the Dead Vistula River, so the developer faces another interesting architectural challenge in the future.
The Nadmotlawie estate in Gdansk in the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
unorthodox volume, inspiration
The team of architects at Schleifer Milczanowski SIM ARCHITEKCI was inspired by two motifs. The first was Danzig's heritage, i.e. the historic buildings of the main city of Gdansk, based on the Hanseatic type of buildings mainly made of red brick. The second is the site's port pedigree, which includes cranes, silos or passing ships.
The local development plan was carefully analyzed and creatively interpreted by the architects, and in the concept, instead of classic residential development, there was a desire to expose the view and open the front of the building to the Motlawa River - hence the boldly proposed frontage with an industrial overhanging bridge that allows residents to enjoy the panoramic riverside views. The footbridge filling the volume is an unusual solution, but it is an open usable space, and gives the whole project a unique character. It features benches, green spaces, and openings in the structure itself - thanks to them, trees on the level below gain natural light and can climb upwards with their crowns. The enclosures of the space under the bridge are made of perforated metal sheets, which have been prepared to bring out the silhouettes of the Gdansk cranes - in the evening this solution turns into illumination, as the visual effect is brought out and enhanced by a light installation. The first floor has a service character, but similarly to the residential parts, there are also large glazings, opening the interiors to the surroundings.
Nadmotławie estate in Gdansk in the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
Port is steel, and steel is rust - such a line of thought in the context of inspiration allowed corten, a rusted sheet metal associated with, among other things, ship hulls, to be implemented in the design of Nadmotlaw. The corten plates were used next to the building - in their southern and northern corners, the most elevated, and in the first floor. In a chemical process that lasts several weeks, the sheet metal rusts, and this peculiar effect remains permanently. The peculiar corten frame used in certain places, as well as the size and shape of the building's corner blocks, made the whole thing reminiscent of the sight of ships' bows, present here for centuries.
It is worth mentioning that the second floor also features a naturally landscaped patio, which is the perfect place for a variety of recreational activities available to all residents of the building. It offers an impressive 2,700 sq m of greenery, extensive park alleys, an outdoor gym and captivating playgrounds for children.
The Nadmotlawie development in Gdansk in the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
The design is complemented by details mostly of an industrial nature, such as anthracite balusters, a viewing footbridge strung between the wings of the building based on a structure of bifurcated columns, or panels of perforated corten sheet metal. The fronts of the buildings, as intended, are decorated with red or gray mineral clinker tiles, and the entire estate, despite its diversity, remains consistent with the downtown and harbor atmosphere of the place.
The Nadmotlawie estate in Gdansk in the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
Opening up to the Motlawa River and adapting the concept of the original volume are the fundamental architectural principles of this project. Through precise delineation of the form of the buildings and thoughtful development of outdoor spaces, we aimed to harmoniously merge the development with the surrounding water environment. The innovative and creative approach to the volume was carefully designed with regard to, among other things, the use of space, natural lighting and air circulation, resulting in the creation of functional, aesthetically pleasing building solutions. Most important, however, was the viewing potential, integrating residents with nature , says Tomasz Milczanowski, founder of SIM Architects.
Thanks to the cooperation between the architects and the ROBYG team, a schematic-breaking project was created and the vision of a unique, prestigious space was realized, which not only provides comfort to residents, but also inspires others to make similar transformations.
Nadmotlawie appreciated by experts
The Nadmotlawie development has received recognition in three major competitions, making it a standout in the architectural landscape. It was honored with a place in the TOP 5 ranking of the best estates in Poland according to Newsweek magazine. In addition, as part of the Facade of the Year 2023 competition, the Nadmotlawie project was recognized for the comprehensiveness of the materials used and for blending harmoniously into the surrounding urban landscape through refined details and careful forms.
Nadmotlawie estate in Gdansk in the finals of the European Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition.
© ROBYG
But that's not all - the Nadmotlawie estate has also been nominated for the title of the best European facade of the year in the Baumit Life Challenge 2024 competition in the Multi family category. This is a prestigious initiative that recognizes architectural and urban planning projects for their innovation, sustainability and contribution to improving the quality of life of residents. The nomination of Seaside represents a unique representation of Polish architecture on the international arena, highlighting its high level and importance to the modern urban landscape.
