In Gdansk's Letnica, a dynamically developing district of the city, an apartment has been created that combines functionality, style and a bit of design courage on 65 square meters. It's a space that not only responds to the daily needs of the residents, but also shows how every inch can be thoughtfully used to create a home with character. The key element of the project is the kitchen island - a non-obvious solution that has become the heart of the apartment and the starting point for further design decisions.
The kitchen island in the apartment in Letnica becomes the center of the house
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
An island instead of a table - practicality comes first
We knew from the beginning that we did not want a dining table - we wanted an island
- recalls the owner of the apartment.
This decision, although it raised some concerns at first, turned out to be a hit. Of the several functional variants proposed by the architects, the clients chose the one in which the kitchen island serves as the multi-tasking center of the house. It is not only an additional work surface, but also a place for daily meals and even a space for cooking together with friends.
The island, equipped with seven capacious drawers, provides excellent organization of the kitchen
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
On this square footage, it's much more practical than a table that would stand unused most of the time
- explains the owner.
The island, equipped with seven capacious drawers, provides excellent organization for the kitchen, and its size - larger than one would expect in a 65-square-meter apartment - allows for comfortable use.
It already proved its worth at the first dinner party for six people, which we organized shortly after the move. Everything went smoothly, and we felt at ease
- he adds.
Close-up of the kitchen in the apartment
Photo by Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
Architect Zuza Pikiel, co-creator of the project, notes that this approach requires a change in thinking. She mentions that she often encounters clients' expectations that an apartment must have a table, preferably a folding one, for big parties. But in a small space, it is the island that can be more versatile - it combines functions and does not take up space. In this case, the choice turned out to be not only practical, but also aesthetic - the island became a natural link between the kitchen and living room, creating an open, friendly space.
The apartment in Letnica, Gdansk, was designed by Zuza Pikiel (pictured) and Agata Piltz
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
Everyday over occasions - design philosophy
The entire Letnica apartment was designed with the most important thing for its residents in mind - everyday comfort. The architects didn't want to go for solutions that work once every few months, like a fold-out couch for guests or an extra table. Instead, there was a comfortable, non-folding sofa in the living room, which invites you to relax after a busy day. In the additional restroom, instead of a guest shower stall, a laundry alcove was designed - a practical place for a washing machine, dryer and detergent storage.
When designing the apartment in Gdansk Letnica, the architects focused on the convenience of the residents
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
One of the most interesting elements is the bathroom, which has a separate bathing area. Behind a glass door is a space with a wall-mounted bathtub and shower - an unusual solution, but extremely functional.
This was one of the best ideas in this project. I can't imagine going back to a standard bathroom - if we ever move, I will definitely repeat this layout
- declares the owner.
The architects admit that such a division of space was a response to the needs of the clients, who valued both the ability to relax in the bathtub and to quickly use the shower.
The bathing area in the bathroom is located behind a glass door
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
Modern farmhouse with Polish soul
The style of the apartment draws inspiration from the American modern farmhouse - a combination of simplicity, natural materials and warm elegance. Wooden parquet floor in natural shade creates a base for white walls, light gray furniture and black accents in the form of hardware or details. The color harmony is broken by accents of green in the bathrooms, which add freshness to the interior. A bold wallpaper with tropical leaves appeared on the toilet wall.
The style of the apartment draws inspiration from the American modern farmhouse
Photo by Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
Wallpaper plays a key role in this project. In the bedroom, a subtle cloud pattern appeared on the ceiling, which makes lying in bed feel like being under an open sky.
It's a detail that brings calm and balance to this room
- describes Agata Piltz, the other architect.
All wallpapers, including those in the more exposed areas, are scratch-resistant and easy to clean, which is especially important in a home with a young child.
Wallpaper plays a key role in this project
Photo by Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
Details that build atmosphere
The apartment in Letnica is a space where every detail has been carefully considered. The owner explains that she avoided excess, opting for an interior that subtly reflects her personality. Guests who visit the apartment remark on its unique atmosphere.
Everyone says they feel at home here - comfortable, without unnecessary tension
- concludes the resident.
Wood, glass, ceramics - everything was chosen with harmony and functionality in mind
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
This is due not only to the design, but also to the high-quality materials, which guarantee durability and aesthetics for years to come. Wood, glass, ceramics - everything was selected with harmony and functionality in mind.
The kitchen is dominated by shades of white and gold
Photo: Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
From vision to realization - the work of female architects
Behind the project are Zuza Pikiel and Agata Piltz, the duo behind the P2 Pikiel & Piltz brand. Their cooperation with clients was not limited to the creation of the concept - it included full supervision of the realization, from the first sketches to the finishing crews' final touches.
A stressful time, of course, but also an extension of our creative work. Being on the construction site, seeing to the details and participating in the creation of the final result is something that gives us great satisfaction.
- says Zuza Pikiel.
Agata Piltz stresses that this project was particularly special for them, because the clients gave them a lot of freedom, while having clearly defined needs, which allowed them to strike the perfect balance - proposing bold solutions, such as wallpaper on the ceiling or the bath area, while creating a space that fully reflects the clients' personalities.
The ceiling wallpaper in the bedroom makes you feel like you're under an open sky
Photo by Emi Karpowicz © P2 Pikiel & Piltz
A house that lives with its residents
The apartment in Letnica, Gdansk, is an example of how a tailor-made space can be created on a relatively small area. A kitchen island instead of a table, a bath area behind glass, a lemur in the toilet and clouds over the bed - these details build the character of a home that is both beautiful and practical. For Zuzia Pikiel and Agata Piltz, this is one of those projects that reminds them why they chose the profession of architecture - because here creativity meets real life, and the end result brings joy not only to the creators, but also to those who will live in this space every day.
