By day, Przemo Łukasik, an architect from the medusa group studio, lives in the famous Bolko Loft - a former lamp room of the "Orzeł Biały" Miningand Smelting Plant in Bytom, adapted for residential purposes. The opening of the studio's headquarters in Warsaw became an impetus for the architect to buy an apartment in the capital.
Architects from the medusa group studio undertake projects all over the world. Their track record includes the redevelopment of a building in London, a school in Bangladesh and an office superstructure on Wall Street in New York, as well as collaboration with the BIG office in NYC and Copenhagen.
When medusa opened its second headquarters in Warsaw, and business trips to the capital became frequent, the decision was made to buy an apartment. The choice fell on a modern prefabricated concrete block on Sprzeczna Street designed by BBGK studio. Located in Warsaw's Praga district, the 55 m² apartment has two bedrooms, a living room with a kitchenette, a bathroom and a terrace.
living room and terrace
arrangement: Marynia Moś, photo: Marcin Czechowicz
As a space for temporary residence, the apartment was to be created quickly and remain a substance sincere in every respect.
The choice of location was already symbolic, the location on the right bank of the city, the authentic environment of old Prague, with its many post-war scars, with its unadorned plastered facades, with its local community," says Przemo Lukasik.
It was no coincidence that Old Praga, which reminded the architect of his beloved Bytom, fell on him. From the windows you can see dilapidated tenements, real courtyards and authentic residents. From the terrace, a bit of a distance, Warsaw skyscrapers.
It was supposed to be pragmatic and natural, like home in Bytom: no powdering of construction scars, no make-up. The simple and functional bathroom was finished with white ceramic tiles with black grout. The fixtures were made of copper pipes. At the windows and on the walls in the living area, remnants of sealants and grout can be seen. Made of hardwood plywood, the kitchenette stands out clearly from the concrete walls and floors.
kitchen and bathroom
arrangement: Marynia Moś, photo: Marcin Czechowicz
I'm probably the only resident of this building who didn't plaster the prefabricated elements in the interior, I wanted to show through this that a developer's product can be easily used, tamed and given personality," emphasizes Lukasik.
All this "developer goodness" - concrete floors, walls and ceilings remained unchanged. Traces of plaster scars and unplastered concrete provide the backdrop for the furniture set. A few decorative elements and gadgets found at antique fairs in Bytom and Berlin create an individual interior with a clear pedigree.
Instead of expensive finishes - functionality, authenticity of the place. Is anything more needed?
elaborated. ed.
based on press materials
