Architect: Schleifer & Milczanowski Architekci s.c. Location: Gdynia, ul. Krasickiego 30, Poland Design Team: Tomasz Milczanowski, Stefan Schleifer, Agnieszka Schleifer, Agnieszka Majkowska, Anna Niedzielska, Hanna Zamorska, Roksana Czartopolska, Michal Treder Structure Engineer: Studio R Roman Radowski Client: Polskie Pierze i Puch Sp. z o.o. Area: 2092 sqm Project Year: 2006-2007 Construction Year: 2009 Photographs: Schleifer & Milczanowski Architekci
Stone Villa is located in one of the most exclusive housing estates of Gdynia – Kamienna Góra.
This part of town is under surveillance by historical preservation registry. This fact stimulated the design in the direction of an original form and well-thought urban solutions. The plot is located on the corner of Legionów and Krasickiego Street. The site is well exposed as a characteristic focal point in frontage of those streets.
Entrance to the plot is located at Krasickiego Street. Front gate invites to the building with a water cascade which improves air condition by absorbing volatile substances and attracts attention of people walking by. Pavements leading to entries and common space are made of sett and equipped with pavement lighting. The terrain surrounding the building has been divided in to private gardens belonging to flats on ground floor as well as common space with fountain for all occupants. The gardens are finished with wooden decks and pergolas made of exotic wood floating above short plants and grass. Whole plot is surrounded by wall finished with stone plates and wood boards divided in a way that makes the border subtle and friendly. The fence guarantee intimacy and sense of security in spite of being in the city center.
Building consists of 4 stories above ground and 1 story below ground. Building height is below 14 meters. Highly regarding its surrounding the project refers to the best examples of Gdynia’s modernism. Dividing building to smaller solids shifted against each other made it look lighter and helped with inscribing it in the surroundings. Walls of the highest story recede to create terrace around the building. The roof was designed as view terrace and finished with exotic wood. All these decision derive from the idea of modernism as well as seaside location. Architecture of ships moored in near docks was also significant inspiration.
Finishing materials are exotic wood, granite stone plates and white render. Window frames are made of wood, balustrade is made of galvanized steel powder painted white.
Elevator shaft made of steel was placed inside spatial staircase and closed with tempered glass panels and steel net frames. It is a consequent reference to dockyards industrial aesthetics.
Usable areas: a. basement floor – storage compartments for habitants , heat distribution centre, technical space, garage for 21 parking places on mechanical platforms b. ground floor – entrance hall with staircase and elevator suited for handicapped , apartments , recreation space available for inhabitants c. upper floors – apartments and evacuation staircase with elevator suited for handicapped ; d. roof – elevator engine room and evacuation staircase, view terrace available for inhabitants
