The Opacka Premium Investments created by Invest Komfort attempted an unusual synthesis of modern and contemporary with historic. The new investment pays tribute to its unique location – Oliwa, the historical district of Gdansk, Poland.
The architecture of Oliwa, the nearby Cistercian Order and Baroque paintings – these visual elements served as the key sources of inspiration for Opacka. Is it possible to translate all these local and historical elements, so that their spirit can shape the space and architecture?
"We strive to make each project the best possible. We do not just build in line with our clients' expectations, but we want to offer them something that they are not yet aware of". "This is what drives the team when developing new projects", explains Michał Ciomek - the vice president of Invest Komfort.
In the Opacka complex, the investor has breathed new life into a piece of land that was a forgotten gem of the Gdańsk Oliwa district for decades. The implementation of the architecture was handled by Invest komfort's longtime collaborator Roark studio, which specializes in general-cubic architecture. Immersed within its natural setting, Opacka tries to underline the dominant views of the Oliwa Archcathedral. As both a silent escape and a reminder of a once place, Roark Architects draw inspiration from the surrounding elements and an organic sensibility to conjure a contemporary interpretation of location context through long-lasting materials. The surrounding landscape plays a crucial role in Opacka’s visual narrative. It gives visitors a sense of finding a safe place of refuge, spreading an aura of balance and inner peace.
In the Opacka interiors, the power of historical connotations catches one by surprise. A restrained play of light, textures, and perspectives revolves around the wide array of materials used by PB/Studio. The abundance of tones and textures helps both to display the artworks and at the same time, gives the space an atmosphere of meditative tranquility.
The designers avoided copying or recreating tradition by gracefully reinterpreting it and combining it with contemporary elements. These elements, as if in a harmonized melody, complement each other, creating a coherent story imbued with profound respect for the uniqueness of the place. The project includes the interiors of the common areas of Opacka – the staircases, lobbies, club room, fitness, and sauna areas.
Invest Komfort requested an exquisite, functional design for Opacka that reflects the local heritage. The architects created a balance of fluidity and solidity using raw materials such as concrete, copper, and timber. The copper in particular, with its smooth surface that acquires patina over time, represents historic Oliwa. The layout features a comfortable floor plan with a clubroom at the front and a lounge at the back, leading to the courtyard garden and patio. One of the challenges was to create an expressive concrete wall with exposed aggregate, which contrasts with the elegant finishing materials such as walnut wall panels, bespoke joinery, and matte copper surfaces in custom-made furniture and wall panels.
To complement the space, the Invest Komfort invited an artist, Alexandra Józefów, who designed two sculptures – soft, organic shapes enclosed in a simple, minimalist form that contrasts with the deep and dense tones of the space.
The project's main focus was on the interplay of light, achieved through the use of patterned glass panes that create an effect similar to stained glass windows in a cathedral. This creates a restful and tranquil atmosphere in the interior, with key details and interiors subtly emerging through well-designed lighting. The space is also well-lit by natural light coming in from the patio.
Opacka by Invest Komfort is a Gdansk-based project that combines Oliwa's heritage with contemporary architecture. It includes four 3-story buildings with 51 apartments, carefully integrated with nature and set away from pedestrian routes. The estate offers a beautiful view of the Oliwa Archcathedral, and the designers of Roark Studio, PB/Studio, and Studio Krajobraz drew inspiration from the area's rich history and art.
Invest Komfort is a Trojmiasto-based real estate development company that has been transforming Pomeranian residential architecture since 1995. In order to deliver the highest quality to its clients, Invest Komfort cooperates with leading, experienced and inspiring local designers and architects. It consistently sets new standards for its profession by focusing on high-quality workmanship and implementing innovative, contemporary solutions. The company management selects locations for upcoming investments, paying special attention to the landscape and aiming to maintain a harmonious relationship between the building and the surrounding area.
