Nieszawa, picturesquely located on the left bank of the Vistula River, is not only the pearl of Kuyavia, but also a place with a unique history. As a "wandering city," it was moved 30 kilometers upriver in the 15th century to meet new political and economic challenges. The site became an inspiration for Aleksandra Świader of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, who proposedrevitalizing a 19th-century distillery in this charming village.
location
© Aleksandra Świąder
Nieszawa's industrial heritage
The distillery in Nieszawa, founded in 1898 by Jozef Kozubek, is a building with a rich history. In its heyday, it was one of the leading distillation plants in Poland, producing high-quality spirits appreciated both on the domestic and foreign markets. After a period of difficulties in the 20th century, including nationalization and subsequent privatization, the plant gradually lost its original function, but became a symbol of local industrial heritage.
cross sections
© Aleksandra Swieder
Aleksandra Swiader saw potential in the post-industrial character of the building, adapting its spaces for contemporary functions. Her design combines tradition with modernity, giving the building new life as a meeting place, workshop and business space.
space full of life - revitalization of the distillery
The adaptation project includes the top floor of the distillery, transformed into a workshop and business space. Each of the three attics of the building gained a separate function, which was designed with the needs of users in mind and with respect for the historical character of the place.
projection of attic zoning
© Aleksandra Świąder
workshop and history in the first attic
The largest of the attics serves a workshop and research function, inspired by the archaeological discoveries of Old Nieszawa. Work tables allow guests to participate in workshops to create personalized liquors - a souvenir of their visit to the distillery. In addition to the workspace, there is also a tasting area and a screening room, where films are shown telling the history of the distillery and the secrets of craft liquor production.
Workshop attic, tasting and relaxation area
© Aleksandra Swiąder
tasting in the atmospheric interior of the second attic
The second, smaller attic was designed as a tasting zone. A passage to this interior leads through the distillery's production zone, allowing visitors to learn about the process of fermentation and filtration of alcohol. The atmosphere of the place is emphasized by the wooden barrels in which local liquor is stored.
smallest attic, tasting function, a place for guests with a view of the vats in the distillery's production zone
© Aleksandra Swiąder
business zone
The third part of the project is the business space, which includes a conference room, checkroom, kitchen and sanitary facilities. The center of this space is a room with a large table and smaller tables, and the bright natural light coming in through skylights gives the interior an open and modern feel.
The attic, view of the hallway
© Aleksandra Swiąder
In the young architect's design, it was crucial to preserve the original materials, such as the brownish-red brick that is a characteristic element of the distillery's exterior. The warmth of the wooden floors and roof structure contrasts with the industrial character of the steel and aluminum, which allude to the former filter vats. Subtle details, such as metal furniture frames, emphasize the functionality of the space without losing its aesthetic dimension.
The attic, view of the conference room
© Aleksandra Swiatder
Aleksandra Swiader's project proves that history can be a starting point for creating spaces with contemporary character. The distillery in Nieszawa, with its rich heritage and modern spirit, becomes a place that not only celebrates its past, but also actively participates in creating the future of the local community.
