Employees of the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology have been honored with the prestigious Stanislaw Witkiewicz Award for the best contemporary architectural realizations conducive to the protection and shaping of the cultural landscape of Malopolska in 2024. The award in the residential architecture category was given for the project "House on Emmaus" in Krakow. The authors of the awarded project are Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers and Agnieszka Żabicka of MTWW Architekci Sp. z o.o.
plot development project, first floor plan
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
blending into the space
"House on Emmaus" is an example of architecture well integrated into the specifics of the place. The project was built on a narrow plot of land surrounded by compact buildings, which was one of the main design challenges. The plot is located in Cracow, on Emaus Street, bordering the embankment and the Rudawa River to the north. The building was the first object in this line of development, and other buildings were built gradually in recent years, during the development.
situation, top view
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
Despite the limited space, the designers managed to create an object that harmonizes with its surroundings. Carefully designed landscaping, greenery and modern architectural forms make the building fit subtly into the landscape. Flooring adapted to the terrain, trees and grasses bring lightness and naturalness to the project.
from top: northern elevation, eastern elevation, western elevation, southern elevation
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
well-thought-out functions for residents/residents
The body of the building is a minimalist, cuboidal form topped by a flat roof. The distinguishing feature is the southern elevation, which is sculpted and open, allowing maximum use of the available sunlight. There is a spacious terrace, connecting the living area with the garden, and above it an overhang housing the master bedroom with a dressing room.
The living room in the main apartment
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
The two-story high dining room, equipped with floor-to-ceiling glazing and additional skylights, makes the interiors bright and spacious. The staircase, set against a massive black stone wall, subtly separates the living area from the kitchen, technical rooms and dressing room.
Due to the mandatory building line, the northern part of the building has been designed with a subtle "trim," allowing light into the interiors. This effect is particularly evident in the living room, where the two-story ceiling height creates a striking, airy space.
The bathroom in the main apartment
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
The living room leads out to the terrace, and on the first floor the master bedroom was located with a bathroom and an intimate terrace - an ideal place to relax. An additional advantage is an unusual solution in the bathroom - the bathtub has been placed in the viewing axis, so that residents can admire the picturesque landscape of Kosciuszko Mound.
The building was designed as a two-flat - the larger, two-story part is intended for the investor, while the smaller, ground-floor apartment was created for her mother. Future plans also include an additional room with a kitchen and bathroom for a caregiver who could live with the senior.
view of the terrace
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
award for innovation and respect for place
An honorable mention was awarded to the "House on Emmaus" project for its skillful use of a difficult, narrow plot of land surrounded by compact buildings, which resulted in a realization that elegantly fits into the local landscape. The juryappreciated the simple and expressive form of the building, based on the classic geometry of a cuboid, enriched with thoughtful details such as the southern elevation, open to the light, and subtle landscaping.
mezzanine
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
The project was also recognized for its attention to the needs of the residents/residents - a functional, two-level main apartment and an independent ground-floor space for seniors. This approach is an example of architecture that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also socially responsible. The jury particularly appreciated the spacious, light-filled interiors and the panoramic view of the Kosciuszko Mound, which gives the project additional context and unique character.
The view from the bathroom to the Kosciuszko Mound
© Mariusz Twardowski, Paweł Syposz, Wojciech Wokan, Mariusz Pers, Agnieszka Żabicka
We published the full results of the Stanislaw Witkiewicz competition on our portal.
Aleksandra Skorupa
