The Vienna Tenement House – a Art Nouveau gem in new splendour

In the heart of Poznań, at 11 and 13 Podgórna Street, history meets modernity. The Vienna Tenement House, a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, shines again after years of neglect. Its revitalisation in 2023 has become one of the most beautiful examples of how contemporary design can pay tribute to the past – with class, finesse and respect for the spirit of the Belle Époque.

What once defined the prestige of urban life now delights once again with its detail and consistency of form. Echoes of old Vienna can be found in the Art Nouveau ornaments of the façades, the rhythm of the geometric balustrades and the subtle glow of light reflecting off the marble surfaces. However, the restored interiors of Kamienica Wiedeńska are not a reconstruction from a century ago – they are a contemporary interpretation of style that combines tradition with 21st-century functionality.

The design is the work of Biuro Kreacja, headed by Dorota Terlecka. The architects focused on harmony between the nobility of natural materials and modern design. The interiors are bright, spacious and full of light, with wood, stone and ceramics creating an elegant narrative. Every detail – from the stucco to the lighting – has been designed to restore the prestige of the common areas, which in the Belle Époque were the heart of the residents’ social life.

Both staircases, although maintained in a consistent spirit, tell their own stories. Podgórna 11 is a modern interpretation of Art Nouveau – geometric, restrained, with a clear contrast between dark wood and light walls. Podgórna 13, on the other hand, celebrates the richness of the era: stucco, decorations and a soft colour palette that brings warmth and an artistic dimension to the interiors. The designers have consciously combined architecture with visual arts and applied arts.

Light plays an almost theatrical role in this space. It brings out the rhythm of the balustrades, emphasises the proportions and gives the interiors a sense of lightness. The lighting fixtures used – modern, but inspired by the spirit of Art Nouveau – create an atmosphere of elegance and cohesion. They make every visit to the Vienna Tenement House an aesthetic experience in which history and the present day engage in a quiet, harmonious dialogue.

The artistic dimension of the project is also significant. The Kreacja office, known for its exhibition projects, has ensured that art has become an integral part of everyday life. In the stairwell at Podgórna 11, you can admire a photograph by Alka Murat, and at Podgórna 13 – a sculpture by Ziemowit Liszka MOZI. Thanks to them, the building takes on the dimension of a gallery, where architecture becomes a backdrop for expression and reflection.

Today, the Vienna Tenement House is more than just a renovated monument. It is a symbol of conscious design – a combination of tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and technology, aesthetics and functionality. In a world where true elegance does not need to be loud, this Poznań tenement house reminds us that luxury is harmony, light and attention to every detail.

Author: Luxury Boutique