Indicators of the investment's high standard include a great location, fine finishing materials and a long list of amenities. Behind the premium investment there is also a coherent and interesting story translated into the language of architecture. We talk about modern design inspired by the history of the place with architect Jakub Bartoszewicz - co-owner of B1 Architekci studio.
Młyny Gdańskie is an investment that B1 Architekci designed for the Tri-City developer ALLCON. What distinguishes this project?
Młyny Gdańskie is being built in a place with an extremely rich history, which was a direct inspiration for us. While preparing the concept of the investment, we looked through old documents about the area. It turned out that in the past people there made their living mainly from gardening and fruit growing. In close proximity, next to the Siedlecki Stream, there were two mills. What's more, in the 17th century, the climate in Gdansk was mild enough to be conducive to vine growing. Today this seems unthinkable, since Siedlce - the district where the Gdansk Mills are being built - is practically in the center of the city. Nevertheless, it is a quiet, green neighborhood, and we wanted to preserve this atmosphere. This is a response to the needs of customers who are increasingly looking for investments close to nature, where they can relax and spend time actively in the fresh air.
Młyny Gdańskie
© Allcon
Was the inspiration also provided by the surrounding buildings?
Yes, although it is worth mentioning that the architecture from the old days survived here only partially, and the district has been changing over the centuries. Certainly a characteristic element of the old Siedlce buildings is the half-timbered façade, in which the wall structure with a distinct line of ceilings and supporting columns is visible, forming fields filled with bricks. We subtly transferred this solution to our design. In the brick facade, we clearly distinguished the ceiling beam, while the vertical division into fields was achieved by changing the weft, i.e. the way the bricks are laid.
Also characteristic of the neighborhood were frontage buildings and gates, through which one could access the courtyards from the street to a completely different world, where the life of the residents of the time was going on. Młyny Gdanskie is a residential complex shaped in a traditional way, the buildings are arranged along the perimeter of the plot, creating a quarter of compact development. On the side of Malczewskiego Street, we designed a building that occupies the entire front of the plot and forms a frontage forming a boundary between the street space and the internal patio. In the central part of this building, we proposed our own glazed "gate", which constitutes the lobby and main entrance to the residential complex.
Młyny Gdańskie
© Allcon
Once you cross the gate of Młyny Gdanskie, you will indeed find yourself in another world. The estate will be extremely green.
The inner courtyard is another result of inspiration from the history of Siedlce, specifically the aforementioned orcharding and gardening that developed in the area. We designed the greenery in the form of geometric flowerbeds, located on a terraced area. In addition to diverse vegetation and trees, there will be benches, recreation areas and enclaves of rest. An additional attraction is the installation of a mill wheel, from which water will cascade into a pool located on the square in the central part of the patio. A small courtyard is planned under the mill wheel, leading to a glass-enclosed private fitness center. Residents can exercise there while enjoying views of the greenery and water.
For whom are the Gdansk Mills being built?
When designing the project, together with the investor, we thought primarily of people who are looking for another, more comfortable apartment in a high standard. They want to live close to the center and take full advantage of the attractions that Gdansk offers. They don't feel like wasting time commuting, but they also care about a quiet, friendly and safe neighborhood. As time goes by, I find that Młyny Gdańskie is a project where representatives of different generations - both families with small children and older people - will feel great. It's a place designed and implemented to promote comfort and good everyday life, everyone will find something for themselves here.
Młyny Gdańskie
© Allcon
What are you particularly proud of?
Of the clear vision for this residential complex and its successful implementation. The Młyny Gdańskie complex was executed by the investor exactly according to the idea we presented at the very beginning, i.e. in the competition work. There were no compromises on materials and solutions, and this is extremely important, because a high-end product must defend its quality. Thanks to this clear vision, Danzig Mills is an original project with a coherent story that has a lot to offer.
For more information, visit the company's ALLCON page on the A&B portal.
