Warsaw has gained a new development that complements one of the most
recognisable parts of Śródmieście. Plac Politechniki 4 is an intimate apartment
block designed by the WXCA studio, which respectfully fits into the city’s
historical context and serves as an example of the responsible transformation
of the existing structure.
Situated at the junction of Nowowiejska and Śniadeckich streets, the building completes the north-eastern corner of Plac Politechniki – a site of particular urban significance, forming part of the historic Stanisławowska Axis. The architecture of the development interprets the character of the Warsaw tenement house in a contemporary style, whilst retaining its scale, rhythm and proportions.
The project was based on the existing structure, which was given a new architectural and functional quality. The design work primarily involved redesigning the façade, reorganising the building’s composition, selecting materials and adapting the building to contemporary residential standards. The result is a development that blends harmoniously into its surroundings, enhances the composition of the square and serves as an example of the responsible use of existing resources.
Plac Politechniki 4 comprises just nine flats – one on each residential floor – and a commercial unit on the ground floor. This layout follows the tradition of city-centre development, with an active ground floor that contributes to the life of the street. The architects opted for a calm, mineral-inspired palette of materials and meticulously crafted detailing. The light-coloured façade of warm plaster, champagne-coloured aluminium joinery and the understated composition of the façade emphasise the building’s timeless character and its dialogue with the historic surroundings.
Environmental responsibility is also a key aspect of the project’s implementation. Retaining the existing structure has made it possible to reduce the amount of construction waste and the use of new materials, aligning the project with the concept of the adaptive reuse of existing structures as one of the most sensible strategies for the development of modern cities.
“Our aim was to create a contemporary building that naturally complements the historic fabric of Politechnika Square, brings order to an important part of Warsaw, and demonstrates that working responsibly with the existing urban fabric can lead to architecture that is durable, elegant and timeless. We believe that it is precisely such projects that build the quality of a city for generations to come,” said Szczepan Wroński, a partner at WXCA.
“We were looking for a way to ensure that this contemporary building would form a natural complement to the historic Politechnika Square. WXCA proposed a solution based on sound proportions, a response to the rhythm of the neighbouring buildings, and meticulously refined detailing,” added Piotr Bujnowicz, a partner at Paradox Investment.
The project is part of WXCA’s consistently developed approach to design in locations with a strong historical context. Rather than creating architecture based on a bold formal gesture, the practice has opted for solutions that build lasting value for the city – through the responsible use of the existing structure, attention to the quality of public space, and the creation of buildings that meet the contemporary needs of residents. Plac Politechniki 4 is an example of ‘architecture of continuity’ understood in this way, in which innovation stems from a skilful dialogue with the site and its history.
Project team: Szczepan Wroński, Małgorzata Bonowicz, Angelika Drozd, Piotr
Łosek, Jakub Matela, Marta Nawrocka, Izabela Rendzner, Inez Wawszczyk, Jakub
Kołomański, Michał Kalinowski
WXCA is a team of architects who have come together to form an interdisciplinary
design studio operating in the fields of architecture, urban planning and landscape
architecture. It focuses on the creation of multifunctional public buildings that
promote culture and the arts, whilst fostering environmental awareness.
