Forge Loft

Apartment for ICC Real Estate

Forge Loft is the interior design and adaptation of the old forge located in Leszno, Poland into a loft apartment. The forge is part of a 19th-century Factory of Pumps, which is being revitalized into a living complex. The interior embraces industrial history of the building and its part in the technological sequence of the factory. The design of the loft is based on contrast: what is found is dirty and has broken colors (brick walls, concrete). What is new is neutral but elegant, creates a compositional "frame" for the historical tissue, without overshining it.

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Forge Loft by Jan Sikora

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Apartment by Jan Sikora

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Jan Sikora Forge Loft

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Jan Sikora Apartment

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Forge Loft Apartment Press Releases

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Forge Loft Apartment Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Adaptation of an old forge located in Leszno, Poland into an apartment. The Forge is part of a 19th-century factory of pumps, which ICC Real Estate is turning into a living space. Its vast courtyard is built up on all sides with ceramic brick buildings formed into a technological sequence. In this interior, contrast is the key: what is found is dirty and has broken colors (brick, concrete). What is new is neutral but elegant - it created an ideal compositional "frame" for the historical tissue.

Tags

interior, loft, factory, forge, revitalization, Poland, apartment, residential

Production Technology

The loft space has its original brick walls, a concrete floor, lintels and other raw elements. Black (in many variants and versions) creates the background with fenix matte in kitchen cabinets, perforated steel, the rhythm of a steel railing, and a soft line of spiral stairs. Accessories in warm shades and soft textures break the postindustrial character. A painting of New York made by the designer was the final touch.

Design Challenge

The key to the success of the project was full control of its implementation. The designer had to be very direct, sharp in opinions and determined - it was easy to destroy this place with a few weak decisions. An additional problem was the implementation of the project during the pandemic. A smaller budget, variable work schedule and disorganized process were some of the difficulties that had to be faced.

Project Duration

The project started in February 2020 and finished in November 2020.

Operation Flow

The cities we live in are the museums of our ancestors. Walking the streets (in atmosphere, smell, scale or image of the city) we get to know its history. The pump factory has been unused for almost 30 years. Now it gets to live again with a new function, providing its residents with a space that appratiates its history, instead of hiding it.

Research

Pragmatic aproach to research was implemented, along with case study research. Objectives of the research were to understand the space of the factory and keep the existing character of the forge. Case study methodology was used with focus groups data collection. The effect of the revitalisation is yet to be known, but it can bring the area to live again, while celebrating its history.

Inspiration

The space of the old forge was an amazing inspiration, just like the industrial feel of the pump factory surrounding it. It had the perfection of old dirty walls and a unique atmosphere and smell of a forge. The concept emarged in designer's head moments after experiencing the place for the first time. Raw elements, left as a witness of the history, contrasted with softness of fabrics and greenery.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Tom Kurek, Forge Loft, 2020. Image #2: Photographer Tom Kurek, Forge Loft, 2020. Image #3: Photographer Tom Kurek, Forge Loft, 2020. Image #4: Photographer Tom Kurek, Forge Loft, 2020. Image #5: Photographer Tom Kurek, Forge Loft, 2020.

Project Overview

Forge Loft Apartment has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Jan Sikora was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Forge Loft Apartment.

Jan Sikora Press Releases

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Forge Loft: A Stunning Industrial Revitalization Project in Leszno, Poland

Jan Sikora's Forge Loft project transforms an old forge into a unique apartment, embracing the industrial history of a 19th-century factory.

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