Katowice Apartment

Katowice Apartment | Poland | 2021
[MISTOVIA STUDIO]

The modest flat, meant for short-term stays, is located on the 11th floor of a 1970s apartment block in the centre of town. Nestled in-between the quickly-developing district of Bogucice, and the popular region of Koszutka, the area is a cultural sphere within the city.

The designers engaged in the ‘Airbnb’ challenge of creating an effective space meant to catch the eye all while fitting into a modest budget. “Looking through offers listed by popular booking websites, most commonly kept in sensible greys and neutral whites, we knew that in our interior, we wished to showcase the possibility of juxtaposing materials that are completely different. The use of daring colours was somewhat of an extension of the climate we found in the flat upon starting the cooperation with our client. At the same time, we had to remember to stick to the financial spreadsheet,” explain the designers.

By modifying the functional layout of the apartment’s cosy 35-square-metre floor plate, the designers created an illusion of a bigger space. Removing the majority of partition walls and converting two small rooms into a bright and spacious living room and kitchenette, the compact flat became bright, functional, and fully adjusted to contemporary needs.

Second-hand elements have been prioritised and existing elements, such as the exposed reinforced concrete wall have been kept to retain the integrity of the modernist building. “Taking inventory of the flat, we found perfectly conserved furniture polished to the point of shining – no doubt remembering the times when the block of flats was constructed. We decided to use them, giving them new, surprising functions – the chest of drawers from the living room has become a kitchen cupboard, a cabinet is now framing the television,” Text description by the architects.