In the Easdale Ferry Office competition run by the international organization Terraviva, the results of which were announced on February 10, some of the main prizes were won by Polish students.
The subject of the competition was the building of a ferry operator's office on the Scottish island of Easdale. Those who participated were tasked with designing the redevelopment of the building, which has existed on the site for many decades and serves as a gateway to the island for visitors and residents alike.
Instead of a cramped and dark space, the designs were intended to provide a comfortable place for workers and ferry passengers. The marina is an important part of Easdale's architectural identity, so the organizers wanted it to represent it well. The evaluation criteria included originality of design, integration with the surroundings, but also judicious use of materials.
success of polish architects
Below are the works of Polish students awarded in the competition. Third place went to the Polish-Croatian group, made up of Tymon Trzeciak, Łukasz Łoś and Jan Cegnar for the project entitled. "The New Horizon." The work entitled. "Loidhne Easdale" by Maciej Misiak, Natalia Fedko and Kornel Stecki received an honorable mention (Golden Mention).
The New Horizon
Tymon Trzeciak, Łukasz Łoś, Jan Cegnar
"The New Horizon" project was recognized for its innovative design and compatibility with the environment.
The New Horizon builds on the existing structure, envisioning a transformative journey that evolves from a linear design to a fluid and dynamic form in both the facade and floor plan. This creates an elegant and sophisticated architectural gesture. By adapting the scale, and materialization of the design to the simplicity of the island's architecture, it achieves a deeper harmony with the context
- justifies jury member Christian Schmitt (German University in Cairo).
It was crucial for us to use local materials and sustainable solutions so that the new ferry landing not only responds to contemporary needs, but also respects the history and identity of the site.
- Tymon Trzeciak
The New Horizon
Tymon Trzeciak, Łukasz Łoś, Jan Cegnar
The concrete foundation, the wooden load-bearing structure of the new terminal, and the glulam wood for the large curved beams - the materials used simultaneously increase the building's durability and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
The lump of the building was inspired by the rocky topography and traditional buildings of the region - we aimed for a balance between boldness and subtlety. I am extremely satisfied with this project - we managed to create a lump that intrigues, while respecting the character of the surroundings.
- Łukasz Łoś
The New Horizon - visualization
Tymon Trzeciak, Łukasz Łoś, Jan Cegnar
From the very beginning, our goal was to create something iconic while respecting the existing heritage and materiality. The inspiration came easily from such a beautiful and unique place, rich in history and surrounded by stunning nature. I believe the concept captures this balance quite well. Redesigning this site was an amazing experience.
- Jan Cegnar
modernity and heritage preservation
Another award-winning work by Polish artists, "Loidhne Easdale", is commented by a jury member as follows:
Best of all the projects. Great way to respect the context and history, moving the space underground
- Nuria Vidal (Dompercastells).
Loidhne Easdale - visualization
Maciej Misiak, Natalia Fedko and Kornel Stecki
Maciej Misiak, Natalia Fedko and Kornel Stecki took pains to strike a balance between the existing context and the creation of an architectural manifesto.
One has to consider whether the architecture created should be primarily visible, or whether the key role is to be played by the surroundings seen from it. On the one hand, our linear form does not visually interfere with the existing building; it appears to grow out of the cliff at the site below the old sailors' office. Viewed from the hills of Easdale Island, the waiting room that faces the water resembles one of the natural stone piers, which we achieved by using local slate for the exterior finishes. However, the horizontal silhouette of the lump hanging over the sea is the first thing a traveler entering the harbor by boat sees. It creates additional value for the island without overwhelming its stunning nature.
- they write.
Loidhne Easdale - visualization
Maciej Misiak, Natalia Fedko and Kornel Stecki
Loidhne Easdale includes space for sailors to work and relax comfortably, as well as amenities for tourists such as a gift store and an interactive exhibition.
By leaving the existing form of the seafarers' office building and moving the entire new structure to a lower level, the authors consciously preserved the island's heritage.
Loidhne Easdale - visualization
Maciej Misiak, Natalia Fedko and Kornel Stecki
The competition finalists' designs are also noteworthy: Witold Opalinski, Joanna Jamrog, Patrycja Jankosz with the project "Stone LANE", and Paulina Morawiec, Adrian Kühne, Wiktoria Gondzio, Jakub Pawełczyk, Wiktoria Duda, Anna Sztwiertnia - authors of "The Hub".
Congratulations on your successes!
