This project has involved restoration and extension of three of the former farm buildings on the Leszczynski Antoniny manor* and a construction of one new building, in order to convert it into a healthcare and residential building complex dedicated for elderly people. This building complex includes a rehabilitation center which provides care and medical services and is supported by hotel and catering facilities, cultural events, underground car park and all infrastructure needed. The entire complex has a total net area of 8928 square meters and a volume of 29315 cubic meters.

Our major design challenge was to convert all buildings covered by investment into a coherent complex and to assign to each building all the necessary diverse functions. Due to the structural system, ceilings construction and condition of the existing XIXth century stables and the XXth century granary they were not able to be directly adatped for their new functions. They have needed to be subjected to reconstruction and expansion.

Under the former stables building we have designed a cellar to put there all technical equipment of the complex. This was quite a challenge because the original object had not have a basement at all. As a result the entire underground flor had been constructed under the existing historical foundation.The ceiling above the last storey had been partially raised topping the historic elevation with band of windows illuminating hotel rooms. Differing levels of the flat roof act as a recreational terrace balustrade, located on the historical building roof, forming at the same time a decorative pot. Terrace, as a meeting point for seniors, its beautiful panorama of the city, a cozy cafe and petanque track are just a few of the many attractions addressed to residents and visitors.There are also a restaurant with kitchen, a stage for special events organized for residents, a chapel providing pastoral care, hotel rooms and a conference room located in this building.

In turn, in the former granary building we have located hospital rooms dedicated for people with Alzheimer, people mechanically ventilated, people under cardiac and orthopedic rehabilitation and a general hospital ward. Each of the wards has access to the daily open spaces and green terraces, integrating and activating seniors.

The newly designed residential building is surrounded by a recreational garden with fountain. Seniors who stay in the residence have at their disposal fully equipped comfortable apartments with spacious balconies and loggias. On the top floor terrace residents can take part in yoga classes and outdoor gymnastic activities. In this building we have also placed the spacious underground garage.

The whole building complex is accompanied by technical storey building.

All those buildings have had a different character, composition, height and elevation materials related to the time of their construction. In order to combine them together we have decided to introduce perforated Cor-Ten sheets to form balustrades, sunlight breakers, information stands, fences and interior design elements. The rusty steel plate material symbolize the transience and the inevitable passage of time. The dynamic cracks appearing on the facades refers to volatility and a number of turning points making up human life. Due to the costs optimization process the Cor-Ten material has been replaced by a rusty color lacquered metal sheet.The whole building complex is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.

* The Leszczynski Antoniny manor complex consisted of a mansion of the late nineteenth century, farm buildings with two courtyards and a colony of farmhouses, two stables - one from approx. 1865., the other from 1900. , a granary from 1865. and the cowshed of 1909.

Design Group: NA NO WO architekci
Architects: Piotr Cugier, Rafał Tamowicz
Associate Architect: PIP STANDARD
Associate Interior designer: VINCI DESIGN
Photographs: Maciej Lulko

Location: Poland, Leszno, Jana Ostroroga Street
Area: 8928 m2
Project Year: 2014 - 2015