Case study: Słowackiego 12 | Unique design and the end of monotony in the Private Rented Sector (PRS)
Żoliborz, a green district of Warsaw, has become the site of our next project, this time from the Private Rented Sector. Słowackiego 12 is a colorful place to live in, full of life and with interesting references to local history.
The main goal in designing both the building and the apartments was to combine functionality with unique design. This was something of a challenge, as the design of rental apartments is usually characterized by repetitiveness and schematic nature.
Background: we are changing the face of PRS
The challenge the architects faced was twofold: to bring life and originality to the PRS and at the same time fit within the budget. To achieve this, creative solutions were developed to efficiently arrange functions in modular apartments with their often smaller spaces. Drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s rich history, the project team decided to diversify the floors using themed spaces.
In designing Słowackiego 12, we wanted to create not only a comfortable and convenient living space but also a design that would fit in with the atmosphere of one of Warsaw’s most prestigious districts. Therefore, the arrangements of the individual floors were inspired by various themes, taken directly from the rich identity of Żoliborz […]. In addition, the floor area is triangular, which makes almost every unit unique.
It is worth noting that the Colliers Define team was involved in the entire investment process – from the development of the design concept, through the preparation of detailed and construction designs, to comprehensive architectural supervision. This was part of Colliers’ wide range of services in the rental housing sector – the company’s experts were also responsible for strategic consulting, commercialization, and the management of the building.
Project: design idea, i.e. the play of colors
The design is based on a play of colors – each floor presents a different color palette, creating a cohesive whole. The foundation is the first floor, in the design of which the premise was seemingly simple: to create such a space that would harmonize with the other floors, no matter how they are designed. At the same time, the aim was to make it intriguing. This was achieved through a neutral and universal color palette that harmoniously coordinates with any other color. This approach allows flexibility and freedom not only in the design of further floors but also in the customization of interiors.
Subsequent floors are the materialization of various themes inspired by the character of Żoliborz. Nature, green and lush, is manifested through shades of green on the second floor. The cultural layer – old cinemas, theaters, and nightlife – is represented through the depth of blue on the third floor. And a reference to the Citadel, the historic center of the district, can be found on floor four in the brick orange color scheme used.
Open ceilings in the corridors, doors painted in the color of the floor, and dedicated graphic that harmonizes with the themes of the individual spaces, give each floor a unique character and functional recognition at the same time. This diversity of floors, well-composed thanks to the harmony of the guiding colors, reflects the richness of Zoliborz, where each look is a new journey through the fascinating layers of this unique neighborhood.
The result: a variety of apartments – the power of details
The result of thoughtful solutions is comprehensively equipped, functional, and comfortable apartments. In addition to basic elements – such as a comfortable bed – with the daily needs of tenants in mind, each apartment has been designed with functional and conveniently equipped kitchens and bathrooms, as well as storage space. Modern lighting completes the picture.
A laundry room is located on each floor to stimulate conversation between neighbors, fostering the building of community. In addition, special artwork in each apartment reflects the unique character of the floor, highlighting the diversity of the apartments and their residents.
Multifunctionality and an end to monotony
Designing apartments for short-term rentals required looking at these spaces in a new way. It is safe to say that thanks to the Colliers Define project at 12 Słowackiego Street in Żoliborz, the monotony in the PRS has been successfully broken. Each apartment is not only a functional place to sleep or live comfortably but also a space that aims to provide a unique experience for each resident. Inspired by the life and history of Żoliborz, PRS Słowackiego will become an integral part of the neighborhood.
Słowackiego 12 offers 48 unique apartments of one and two rooms. Each is fully furnished and equipped with household appliances. Large windows provide access to natural light, and many units have balconies. The first residents moved in already in February, and subsequent phases will be made available over the next few months.
Słowackiego 12 is the first completed of four investment projects by the Austrian Gitone Group in Poland. […] The conversion into PRS of 1,700 sqm of unused space in a building that already has commercial premises and the planned opening of new office space makes me very happy, as it fits in with the trend of creating mixed-use projects.
