reference to mansion architecture
The center was designed on an orthogonal grid forming a square module with a side of 230 cm. Traffic routes are bounded by 50 cm thick walls described on the axes of the grid. In this way, corridors of 180 cm in width have been separated, allowing efficient movement of people with mobility disabilities. The project is built with a modular partition, acting as an internal and external partition. Both types have the same thickness, made possible by the solutions of the ceramic block system. The premise is based on an amphitheatre layout, referring to solutions typical of residential architecture.
According to Katarzyna Janczura:
Most of Konstancin's villa buildings share common features in the form of a compact body, in which one can read the interior layout, often an amphillade. It is possible to distinguish the mutual relations of window and door openings, the arrangement of which in each case is characteristic and unique. Elevations depicted in a simplified manner only by means of openings are legible and allow to distinguish individual objects. The interrelationships and rhythms of the openings determine the character of the object's interior and its facade.
For the thesis, the author created a scheme to identify objects only on the basis of the layout of the façade openings. These analyses, allowed to select a universal characteristic opening, which was duplicated, becoming a key element of the project.
The architecture of the center is full of arcades
© Katarzyna Janczura
arcades, arches and shutters
The modular partitions have been equipped with transition, door and window openings of the arcade type. The arcade doors occur at the main entrance and at the main exits to the inner courtyards, while the others are balcony window forms. The dormitory section gains a variable character with wooden shutters. Guest rooms are equipped with five or six window openings arranged in an amphitheatre fashion. The lockable shutters create a variety of options for permanently obscuring the façade openings, allowing the layout to be customized to the individual needs of guests.
Wooden shutters provide privacy
© Katarzyna Janczura
In accordance with the local plan, the roofs are multi-pitched - divided into smaller hipped modules. The roof slopes, made of copper sheets, will patina with age, referring to the surrounding buildings. The various wings of the building are connected by paved streets and a network of landscaped paths, running through the forest surrounding the establishment.
compiled by Dobrawa Bies
illustrations courtesy of Katarzyna Janczura
