Bolko Loft is an architectural storyy about revalidation, recycling, reclaiming materials and taming industry.
Bolko Loft is a cuboid erected on reinforced concrete pillars
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
In the heart of Silesia
The house was designed more than 20 years ago. Bolko Loft is located in Bytom. This is the city where the architect was born and grew up, and where his now-adult sons were raised. The co-owner of the Medusa Group studio adopted a nearly 200-square-meter industrial space located in close proximity to a mine. Modernization of the loft was completed in 2003. It was appreciated just a year later. The project was nominated for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award and in 2007 won first place in the Leonardo Competition.
The architect kept the industrial character of the interior
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
Second life
The form of the building is simple, raw and industrial. Bolko Loft is a cuboid erected on reinforced concrete pillars eight meters above the ground. The house is accessed by an outdoor staircase with nearly 40 steps. A fully equipped summer kitchen with a table and chairs set in the center has been arranged below. This is the perfect place to spend time with family and close friends.
- The staircase, which I brought for 1 zloty from a construction site in Gliwice, the balcony, which was formerly scaffolding, bare concrete on the ceiling andon the floor, a kitchen made of MDF and a garden with a kitchen in a container with pots and a checkerboard from the demobilized Silesian Park, and well... a fence made of cable trays. This is our environment, our idea of budget, our dreams and sometimes small failures — recalls Przemo Łukasik.
A summer kitchen was set up next to the house
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
Maintaining authenticity
The architect did not change the original industrial character of the place. The raw concrete and aged brick on the walls, exposed ceiling beams showing the charm of aged wood and post-fabric structural elements perfectly reflect the character of the surroundings. At the same time, they are filled with saturated colors and shapes. Everything is complemented by design icons: the Eames Lounge Chair with footstool, Vitra Slow Chair, RM58 VZÓR or stylish lighting.
The dining room features a large wooden table
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
Colorful loft
The 100-square-meter space with an impressive height of 3 meters features a kitchen with a dining room. The green-pink interior is created by the USM modular furniture system. The island introduces yellow into the interior. This is one of Przemo Łukasik's favorite places. Here the architect personally brews coffee for his guests. In turn, a large wooden table in the dining area convinces of strong family ties, where not only family members, but also friends will find their place.
The green-pink kitchen design is complemented by a yellow island
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
The living area has been arranged behind a light glass partition in neon colors. The living room is filled with intense colors and furniture that has become part of the history of global design.
- My house is beautiful - Przemo Łukasik says about his most important life project.
The living area was separated by a colorful glass wall
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
Intimate character
The private rooms are slightly more subdued. This zone consists of the master bedroom of Przemo Łukasik and his wife Joanna, as well as two rooms of their now adult sons. The glazed bedroom is combined with a small work space. The main role here is played by industrial elements that remind us of the history of the place and its surroundings. The headrest, made of wood, corresponds with the old brick of the wall. Against this background a collection of crosses has been exposed.
In the glazed bedroom, wood combines with brick
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
A place with history
There are two bathrooms in the house. The smaller one is located by the bedroom, the other by the living area. In the latter, the attention is drawn to the wall covered with wood and the floor made with industrial technology of rubbed concrete. Designer furnishings are kept in loft style.
- My house can be an honest answer, because in addition to surviving, it has maintained history, and has become a home for my Sons. I did not demolish it, but saved it — not for the world, but for me and my Children. Here I am a sincere Architect, Investor and Contractor. Here I can be judged — confesses Przemo Łukasik.
The wall of the bathroom was covered with wood
Photo: Bartek Barczyk © Ceramika Paradyż
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