HOUSE WITH SHIELD

Q1
At Bien Studio, we approached House with a Shield with a deep appreciation for Japandi
design, a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth. This aesthetic strongly
guided both the form and functionality of the home. Japandi’s emphasis on balance,
simplicity, and nature informed our use of natural materials, soft textures, and a muted
color palette—elements that foster a sense of serenity and understated elegance.
The choice of materials was highly intentional:
● Wood – We incorporated light-toned repurposed elm timber, a nod to both
Scandinavian coziness and Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. The wooden elements
bring warmth and a tactile connection to nature while reinforcing the home's organic flow.
● Linen and wool – Textiles like linen and wool create softness and subtle movement,
enhancing the sense of tranquility. Its breathable, natural quality also supports the
home's connection to light and air.
● Marble – In contrast to the warmth of wood and fabric, marble introduces a refined,
grounding element. We selected muted, veined varieties that reflect the Japandi
philosophy—elegant yet unpretentious, luxurious yet deeply functional.
Functionally, Japandi’s clean lines and uncluttered spaces define House with a Shield. Every
design choice enhances the home’s flow and adaptability, allowing it to be a retreat from
excess and noise. The use of built-in storage, multi-functional furniture, and seamless
transitions between spaces supports an intuitive, harmonious way of living.
Ultimately, Japandi’s influence on House with a Shield is about more than aesthetics—it’s a
philosophy of purposeful living, where design fosters calm, comfort, and connection to
nature.
Q2
Transforming a historic hospital in Wrocław dating back to 1930 into a modern residential
space was an intricate balance of preservation and reinvention. At Bien Studio, we
approached this project with deep respect for the building’s history, ensuring that the
transformation honored its architectural integrity while making it a livable, contemporary home.
Challenges & Solutions
1. Preserving the Original Structure
○ The hospital’s brickwork and vaulted ceilings were perfectly maintained which
allowed us to celebrate them.
○ The large windows, characteristic of the original design, were replaced to
maintain the hospital’s distinct identity while enhancing natural light.
2. Adapting to a New Function
○ Hospitals are built for efficiency and function, not warmth and intimacy. Our
biggest challenge was softening the clinical feel while respecting its spatial
logic.
○ We introduced Japandi-inspired materials—wood, linen, wool and marble—to
add warmth and tactility, counterbalancing the building’s industrial heritage.
3. Blending Old with New
○ We kept original details, such as iron stair railings and ceramic tiles, but
contrasted them with minimalist modern insertions.
○ Contemporary built-ins and lighting were carefully designed to complement,
rather than compete with, historical features.
4. Structural & Regulatory Constraints
○ Being a heritage-listed site, modifications required approval from
conservation authorities, limiting alterations to the façade and structural
elements.
○ Modernizing insulation, plumbing, and heating systems had to be done without
disrupting the original masonry and framework.
Final Result
The transformation of this Wrocław landmark into a modern, functional living space is a
study in adaptive reuse. House with a Shield now bridges the past and present—where history
is not erased but embraced, and modernity is woven seamlessly into its fabric.
Q3
The mezzanine in House with a Shield was designed as both an architectural statement and a
functional extension of the living space. Given the historic nature of the building—with its high
ceilings and industrial proportions—introducing a mezzanine was a strategic way to create a
multi-level experience without compromising the openness of the space.
Key Architectural Innovations
1. Floating Structure with Minimal Intervention
○ To respect the integrity of the original hospital framework, the mezzanine was
designed as a floating platform, supported by lightweight steel beams
anchored into existing walls rather than new vertical supports.
○ This approach minimized structural impact, maintaining the open-plan feel while
adding an upper-level retreat.
2. Integrated Light and Transparency
○ Instead of a traditional enclosed loft, we opted for a semi-open mezzanine with
a metal balustrade. This ensures that light flows freely, maintaining the airy,
expansive character of the apartment.
○ The material choices—perforated metal railings and wooden slats—allow
glimpses between levels, reinforcing the sense of spatial connection.
3. Multi-Functional Space Planning
○ The mezzanine was conceived as a versatile space, adaptable as a bedroom,
study, or meditation nook.
○ Storage solutions were seamlessly built into the mezzanine structure, including
hidden cabinets along the stairs, ensuring that the design remains uncluttered.
4. Harmonizing Old and New
○ We used the same wood finishes on the mezzanine flooring as in the rest of the
apartment, creating a visual continuity between levels.
○ The contrast of steel and timber echoes the balance between the building’s
historic industrial past and its contemporary transformation.
Enhancing the Living Experience
● The mezzanine provides a sense of privacy without isolation, making it a perfect
retreat while staying visually connected to the main living area.
● It takes advantage of the high ceilings, optimizing vertical space rather than expanding
the footprint.
● The strategic placement enhances natural light distribution, allowing both levels to feel
equally bright and open.
Ultimately, the mezzanine is not just an addition—it is an integral part of House with a Shield’s
spatial narrative, merging function, aesthetics, and historical sensitivity.
Q4
At Bien Studio, sustainability is more than just a design principle—it’s an ethos that guided
every material choice in House with a Shield. Our goal was to create a home that is not only
aesthetic and functional but also environmentally responsible and durable over time.
Sustainable Material Choices
1. Reclaimed & Locally Sourced Wood
○ Wherever possible, we used reclaimed natural veneer from previous projects.
○ Additional wood was sourced from certified sustainable forests, ensuring
ethical harvesting.
○ Wood finishes were treated with natural oils and waxes rather than toxic
varnishes, enhancing indoor air quality.
2. Linen, Cotton & Other Breathable Textiles
○ All textiles—including linen drapes, wool rugs and upholstery—are organic
and biodegradable, free from synthetic treatments.
○ These materials regulate humidity naturally, improving indoor comfort without
excessive reliance on climate control.
3. Low-VOC Paints & Finishes
○ We exclusively used low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints to reduce
indoor air pollution and ensure a healthier living environment.
○ Finishes were chosen for longevity and ease of maintenance, reducing the
need for frequent replacements.
High-Quality, Thoughtful Selection
Beyond sustainability, we prioritized quality over trend-driven choices to ensure a timeless,
enduring interior:
● Craftsmanship & Longevity: Every product was chosen not only for its ecological
footprint but for its ability to age beautifully over time.
● Recyclability: Many materials, from metal fixtures to stone countertops, can be
repurposed or fully recycled in the future.
● Thermal Efficiency: Materials like solid wood flooring and stone walls help naturally
regulate temperature, reducing the home’s reliance on artificial heating and cooling.
Final Impact
By selecting durable, natural, and responsibly sourced materials, House with a Shield
stands as a model for sustainable adaptive reuse—honoring the past while embracing a
responsible, future-forward approach to design.
Q5
The Bulwar Staromiejski development represents a pivotal moment in Wrocław’s
architectural evolution, seamlessly blending historic preservation with contemporary
urban living. House with a Shield, as part of this transformation, plays a unique role in shaping
the community’s connection to its past while redefining the city's modern identity.
Cultural & Social Impact on the Local Community
1. Reactivating a Forgotten Space
○ The former hospital complex, once an enclosed and inaccessible area, has
been reintegrated into the city's social fabric.
○ By converting it into a residential and mixed-use space, the project fosters new
interactions, local businesses, and a stronger neighborhood identity.
2. Honoring Architectural Heritage
○ The careful preservation of historical details, from the original brickwork to
the vaulted ceilings, showcases a deep respect for Wrocław’s past.
○ Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, the project emphasizes adaptive reuse,
setting a precedent for future developments in the city.
3. Creating a Human-Centered Urban Experience
○ The Bulwar Staromiejski development introduces green spaces,
pedestrian-friendly pathways, and public areas, making it a vibrant gathering
place.
○ House with a Shield contributes to this atmosphere by maintaining a balance
between private retreat and urban engagement, offering a model for
sustainable and mindful city living.
Influence on Wrocław’s Architectural Landscape
1. A New Standard for Heritage Conversions
○ This project shifts the perception of heritage buildings from static relics to
living, adaptable spaces.
○ It challenges the idea that modern luxury must come at the cost of historical
authenticity, proving that the two can coexist.
2. A Fusion of Old & New
○ The architectural approach of integrating Japandi minimalism with historical
elements introduces a fresh aesthetic language to Wrocław.
○ The project sets an example for future developments, showing how thoughtful
material choices, sustainable renovations, and contemporary design
principles can elevate existing structures.
3. Reinforcing Wrocław’s Identity as a Cultural & Design Hub
○ The success of Bulwar Staromiejski enhances Wrocław’s reputation as a city
that values both its heritage and forward-thinking design.
○ It attracts architects, designers, and urban planners interested in heritage
conservation and modern residential transformations.
Final Impact
House with a Shield and the broader Bulwar Staromiejski project are not just architectural
achievements—they are a catalyst for a new way of thinking about urban regeneration.
They demonstrate that preserving history doesn’t mean freezing it in time but rather giving it
new life in a contemporary context. This development has redefined Wrocław’s approach to
adaptive reuse, fostering a deeper appreciation for its built environment and inspiring future
generations to build with both memory and modernity in mind.