The fashion for adapting post-industrial buildings to new functions had its peak a few years ago, on the wave of popular projects like the redevelopment of Łódź's Manufaktura. In addition to the appreciated aesthetic qualities, today we are beginning to see another extremely important aspect of reusing the existing fabric. After all, reuse is an important element in the process of confronting the climate crisis, to which the construction industry is making a significant contribution.
View of the site of the Huta Pokój in Ruda Śląska
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
An example of activities in the reuse trend includes rebuilding the former canteen of the Huta Pokój in Ruda Śląska and adapting the building for its new function. Founded in 1840, the ironworks is known today primarily through the Great Furnace, which is listed in the register of monuments, for which the City sought a new idea through a competition, aiming to transform it into a vibrant cultural and tourist space. On the other side of Hutnicza Street, opposite the historic furnace, is the aforementioned former factory canteen building, which is now the headquarters of a bank. The Silesian studio MAŁECCY biuro projektowe is responsible for the transformation of the building.
A terrace, distinguished by its color and material, is protruding from the block
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
The solution proposed by the team of architects is intended to fit in with the concept of transforming — both functionally and spatially — the entire district, which for years has been dominated by its industrial character.
The glazed part of the facade in which the surroundings are reflected
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
During the design work, we faced the challenge of revitalizing not only the post-industrial building, but also the areas around it. The harsh industrial neighborhood conditioned the adopted design decisions — the designers explain. — The search for color references was a key element in the design of the facade, but the most important turned out to be the appropriate selection of greenery around the building. Tall grasses, of varying colors and typologies, resulted in a "softening" of the post-industrial areas, giving them lightness, creating pleasant to use spaces around the building. The black brick appearing on the facade became a backdrop, so to speak, for the exuberant vegetation, mutely watching the life reborn around it — they add.
terrace
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
Thus was created a dark block on a plan close to a square, from which, like a drawer protruding from a chest of drawers, "protrudes" a sizeable terrace, distinguished by color and material. Glazed sections of the facade reflect the industrial surroundings, and the apparent imperfections of the bricks used break the simplicity of the block.
black solid of the building
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
Environmental issues and the use of sustainable design solutions were equally important elements of the project, the architects say. Numerous pro-environmental solutions were designed into the investment, including a gray water recovery system, an oil-like substance separator in the parking lot, and photovoltaic panels on the roof. It was also possible to use found materials, which were originally intended to be disposed of, but found reuse, for example, in the form of the surface of selected parking lots — the project authors mention.
view of the entrance to the building
© Małeccy Biuro Projektowe
The project gained recognition from the jury of this year's edition of the Architecture of the Year competition of the Silesian Voivodeship. It was awarded in the category Public Facility for:
creative reference to the context of the location, the historical neighborhood of the building, and even the customs of the local community. The restraint and economy of form with a strongly commercial function was appreciated, which undeniably organizes the space and sets an example of good construction practice for future developments around it. Also worth noting is the skillful use of greenery, which emphasizes the building and creates a friendly foreground.
