Paradowski Studio’s Duo Centre lobby blends modernist architecture with nautical elements through bespoke furniture and a curated selection of materials.
Contents
Project Background
Paradowski Studio has designed the communal lobby for Duo Centre, a residential building in Krakow, Poland. The client’s vision for the space was unique: to create a modernist design with an infusion of nautical elements. This resonated with Paradowski Studio’s design philosophy, which embraces a blend of eras and styles in their interior design work.
Design Concept and Objectives
The design team sought to translate the building’s inherent modernism and the desired nautical theme into a cohesive aesthetic. They employed a variety of design elements to achieve this, including curves, arches, and organic shapes – hallmarks of Paradowski Studio’s style. These were combined with a soft color palette to create a visual narrative that subtly evoked a maritime atmosphere within a modernist setting.
Materials and Furniture Selection
Paradowski Studio’s design approach extended beyond just blending styles. They curated a unique mix of modern and contemporary furniture pieces from brands like Hay and Massproductions, paired with lighting fixtures from Santa Cole and Marset. This juxtaposition aimed to provide a twist to classic modernism while incorporating contemporary elements. The careful selection of materials and hues also played a crucial role in achieving the desired effect.
Outcome and Impact
The Duo Centre lobby stands as a testament to Paradowski Studio’s distinctive design ethos. By drawing inspiration from different eras and meticulously blending them, they created a space that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. The lobby transcends its function as a mere communal area and becomes an extraordinary space. The design creates a dynamic tension between core decorative materials, resulting in a space that is both visually captivating and subtly layered.
Bespoke Furniture Designs
The lobby features bespoke furniture designs by Paradowski Studio, including the Coffee Table Fale Fale, limited to 10 signed pieces, featuring an elliptical quartzite top with thick sculpted oak legs. The Side Table Mak Mak, part of the DOM x PS collection, showcases an oak finish with a red steel top. The Carbon Steel side table, handcrafted from black carbon steel, has a smooth top with a subtle frill and textured legs forged using traditional techniques.
Szron Furniture Collection
The Szron Side Table and Szron Shelving units draw inspiration from traditional Polish solid wood furniture. The Szron name, meaning “frost” in Polish, reflects the milky white finish reminiscent of a winter landscape. The collection reimagines classic furniture forms with altered proportions and handcrafted details, giving them a renewed character and functionality.
Pouf Łania and Blok Mirror
The Pouf Łania, a metaphorical forest light show, features circular openings and plays with light and shadow. Its unique blend of fabric, mahogany, and pale yellow reflective accents creates a striking visual impact. The Blok Mirror, also part of the DOM x PS collection, translates brutalist architectural language into a decorative piece with its thick, sculpted frame, available in two sizes and colors.
Project Information:
Architects: Paradowski Studio
Area: n/a
Project Year: n/a
Project Location: Krakow, Poland
Photographs: n/a
Manufacturers: Santa & Cole, Hay, Marset, Massproductions
Lead Architects: Paradowski Studio
Main Materials: Oak, Steel, Quartzite, Fabric
Project typology: Interior Design
Bespoke furniture: Coffee Table Fale Fale, Side Table Mak Mak, Carbon Steel Side Table, Szron Side Table, Szron Shelving, Pouf Łania, Blok Mirror
