| Jacek Krenz |
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| Architecture |
Diabełkowo Housing
Designs of remodelation and extention of the houses
at Wilenska and Grodzienska street. 1985-1995
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It is a unique community in the middle of the big city. Two streets: Wilenska and Grodzienska set in the King's Valley which cuts through the Morena hills, comprise 30 semi-detached houses. The houses were built to a single design before the second world war and had no special historic value or appeal. However, because of the qualities of the landscape it has become a protected area. The outstanding nature of this settlement is also due to its name, specific features of the landscape and a clearly defined territorial border. Above everything, those three elements give the inhabitants the security of identity and a sense of safety. The strong social ties which bind my neighbours together have been created by concern for the appearance of and care for their homes and gardens and also by the shared responsibility for the adjoining public places.  The unusual nature of this place is based to a great extent on the shape of the houses, their location and the manner in which they blend into the surrounding landscape. The homes are small but functional and comfortable. They still remain generally in quite good condition. However, there are two disadvantages to the original design: the absence of a bathroom and an entrance hall. Those shortcomings, together with the current requirements for mixed generation living, led to the necessity for enlargement of the buildings. In addition, space was needed to accommodate small family businesses. Fortunately, the size of each plot is big enough to build an extension on the existing site. Designing the extensions presented a great challenge with many problems to be solved. In the architectural world there is pressure to orientate towards modern and original design, sometimes for its own sake. However, my neighbours are not much interested in sophisticated trends in modern architecture - they want a functional and beautiful space for daily life and not an abstract form. In resolving these matters I adopted a safe course reflecting the client's preconceptions of his way of living. Since moving to this area I have re-designed and developed nine homes. I started with my own house which was pleasant but too small (80 sq.m). I chose the simplest concept of the repetition of the existing form which was introduced with a turn of 90 degrees. A new interior structure was made with the dining room, kitchen, drawing room and study situated around the central core of the house. After gaining experience through the development of my own home - which created considerable interest among my neighbours - I was asked to make alterations to some of their homes. Each design has the common feature of incorporating the existing architectural style, but which has been slightly developed. Every project is different to preserve individuality and also to acknowledge the unique nature of each site requiring a specific response to family needs and the relationship between home, garden and street location. To meet modern standards there were added a vestibule, bathroom, dining room, pantry and garage. In each instance the interior of the home was connected with the garden for the first time in recognition of the fact that its use and nature had changed over the years largely from the functional to the recreational. One attractive feature of the design joining home and garden is that the front of the house is left unaltered, thus retaining its original line and the character of the street. I assisted in the metamorphosis of Diabelkowo to date, but it continues with the changes of life and images of their inhabitants. |
Wileńska 20