Baltic Residence, is a project by the architectural office JABRAARCHITECTS, located on Wysocki Lake, in the Osowa district, inspired by the modernism of pre-war Gdansk and Gdynia. This two-storey house with a flat roof based on a composition of two, interpenetrating cuboids and a soft form of rounded corners, is a response to the context of coastal modernism. The large glazings, which allow light to penetrate freely into the interior, reflect the influence of the modernist concept of functionality and integration with nature. The ecru-coloured MaxBerg long brick, which dominates the façade, alludes to the characteristic architectural element of Gdansk of that time-red brick. The beige colour, on the other hand, reflects the character of the light, white, modern facades of modernist Gdynia. Thus, the Baltic Residence fits harmoniously into the character of its surroundings, and at the same time stands out with its uniqueness against the background of typical residential architecture. The high quality of workmanship, attention to proportions and details, as well as the carefully selected colours and materials of the elevation, is an attempt to inscribe the project into the architectural character of the place of the time with a touch of unobtrusive elegance.
The location of the residential house is extremely appropriate for trying to evoke, the atmosphere of those years, as Gdansk and especially Gdynia were once important centres of this international architectural style in the 1920s and 1930s. The plot of nearly 1,400 m2, surrounded by single-family houses, and the proximity to the picturesque landscape of the lake and the surrounding trees provide the perfect backdrop for the realisation of this concept.
The project attempts to combine the aesthetics of pre-war coastal modernism with a contemporary concept of individual comfort, technology and materials, geared towards sustainable building standards with an emphasis on eco.
The simple form of the building block, inscribed in a T-shape on the ground floor plan, allowed the most important living areas to be shaped in a comfortable and intimate way. Large glazings, which allow light to penetrate freely into the interior, reflect the influence of the modernist concept of functionality and integration with nature.
In this way, the Baltic Residence becomes an element in the landscape, fitting in with the history and character of the place. The design focuses on harmony between tradition and modernity, enriching its body with geometric details and proportions typical of modernism. The well-thought-out layout of the space takes into account the needs of today's users, but does not forget to respect the local context.
An expression of the architectural revolution of the interwar years, Gdańsk and Gdynia modernism represented a wonderful departure from traditional patterns and the introduction of innovative forms and ideas into Polish architecture. Both Gdansk and Gdynia were distinguished by their dynamic atmosphere, intensive economic development and openness to new trends and inspirations from all over the world.
Gdańsk, being one of the most important ports in the Baltic, reflected in its modernism the cultural and historical richness of the city. The past of Hanseatic trade, the influence of German architecture and the proximity of the sea and the influence of the maritime climate have all been reflected to a rather limited extent in Gdansk's modernism, whose identifying symbol is the red brick.
Gdynia, on the other hand, as a young city, developing mainly in the interwar period, had the chance to create its architectural identity without major historical constraints. Gdynia modernism was more functional and minimalist in its expression. It was characterised by simple forms, flat roofs, geometric shapes and the use of innovative materials such as concrete and glass.
Both of these styles of modernism, the Gdansk and Gdynia styles, were expressions of a desire for modernity, functionality and openness to new ideas. They were a response to the growing needs of dynamically developing cities and a manifestation of social and cultural progress. Today, these magnificent examples of modernism in Gdańsk and Gdynia are not only beautiful monuments, but also an inspiration for contemporary architecture and a reminder of the old days when bold visions and creativity shaped the space of cities on the Baltic Sea.
Interweaving classic elements of modernism with modern solutions, the Baltic Residence, thanks to its aesthetics and reference, is not only a unique residential house, but also an attempt to inscribe the architecture into the surrounding dclimate of the place and landscape.
The house makes use of the latest technological developments in heating and heat recovery. It is designed to an energy-efficient standard, which makes it possible to minimise running costs while maintaining a high standard. Users can also enjoy the comfort of a space where they can breathe crystal-clear air, cleansed of dust and biological pollen as well as smog and nano-particles, harmful benzopyrenes, which are a troublesome component of suburban air. This is made possible by an appropriately configured home ventilation system using equipment and solutions of modern environmentally friendly technology.