In the heart of the famed Konstancin suburb of Warsaw, a structure stands, echoing the grandeur of a bygone era. The 19th-century villa, spanning a generous 450sm, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. Yet, as with all things, time leaves its mark, and the villa, with its yellow painted architectural plaster ornament, bore the weight of its years.

The challenge presented to us was twofold. First, to reimagine the elevation of this historic villa, ensuring that it resonated with its legacy while embracing contemporary design principles. Second, to envision a new orangery, a space that would seamlessly integrate with the villa's elevation, offering a harmonious blend of the old and the new.

Our approach to the villa's elevation was rooted in respect for its history and a deep understanding of contemporary architectural solutions. Recognizing that the yellow painted architectural plaster ornament, added during its last renovation, detracted from its original grandeur, we embarked on a journey of transformation. The decision to strip the villa of this faux historicizing ornament was deliberate. In its place, we chose a material that was both noble and local - sandstone. This choice was more than aesthetic; it was a nod to the villa's essence, ensuring that its facade resonated with elegance, authenticity, and timelessness.

The orangery presented a unique challenge. The temptation to mimic a 19th-century orangery was strong, given the villa's legacy. Yet, our commitment to interior design and architectural solutions guided our approach. Instead of replicating the past, we chose to honour it by creating a contemporary minimal form. This orangery, with its clean lines, expansive spaces, and meticulous attention to detail, would complement the historical structure. It would stand as a testament to the power of design to bridge the past and the present, offering a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The choice of materials, the play of light and shadow, and the integration of the orangery with the villa's new sandstone elevation were all guided by a singular vision - to create a space that was both respectful of its history and forward-looking in its design. Every design choice, every material selection, and every architectural solution was rooted in this vision.

In essence, the 19th Century Villa Conversion in Konstancin-Jeziorna is more than a renovation project. It's a celebration of interior design and architectural solutions, a space that honours its legacy while embracing contemporary design principles, and a testament to the delicate balance between preserving the past and envisioning the future.

TEAM:
Lukasz Kos
Edyta Krawczyk
Mateusz Dlugowski
Ronis Vision