House with a Cap

The "House with a Cap" project in Gdansk was built at the junction of two distinct districts. historical Oliwa and modern Przymorze. The volume was consciously integrated between neighboring buildings of different heights, and the roofline results directly from this relationship. The effect is a modern interpretation of a mansard roof, which organizes the building's proportions and adds a distinctive yet non-aggressive character.

The starting point was a typical "Polish cube" from the 1970s, which, instead of being demolished, underwent reconstruction, extension, and upward expansion in the spirit of recirculation. A significant part of the process was also its formal history. Initially, the building permit was refused because the roof was deemed not to meet the mansard requirement. Following an appeal by the architects, the project received approval from officials in the second instance, confirming that a modern reinterpretation of a mansard roof can prevail over a literal definition.

The most recognizable element of the house is the metal superstructure made of RHEINZINK titanium-zinc, which merges the roof and facade into a single, cohesive whole. The project utilizes double standing seam technology on the roof and angled standing seam technology on the facade, both made of RHEINZINK-prePATINA blaugrau. A physical model served as additional support for communication with the investor, facilitating the assessment of proportions and reducing the risk of changes during the implementation stage.