Details
How do you completely transform the architectural identity of an existing building while strictly adhering to rigorous coastal conservation laws? For Oceanic SA’s 3-story office and residential building in Sopot, the goal was a total visual and functional overhaul. Tasked with replacing the facade and reimagining the top floor, we navigated tight local development guidelines to propose a modernised, elegant volume. By proposing high-end stone facades, expansive undivided windows, and innovative roof structures — ranging from modern graphite mansards to setback glass pavilions — we created a blueprint that brings contemporary lightness to a historic coastal landscape.
1
Respecting the footprint, changing the face
The existing Oceanic SA building, located on Władysława Łokietka street, required a deep architectural refresh. Our strategic approach mandated keeping the existing structural footprint, main entrances, and garage ramp entirely intact. However, everything else was subject to reinvention: the facade needed complete replacement alongside new insulation, and the building required entirely new mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems. Furthermore, because the property sits within Sopot’s historic conservation zone, every aesthetic decision required careful alignment with the local monument conservator.
existing building
2
Navigating the local plan
The local development plan (MPZP) imposed strict geometric and visual guidelines. We had to design within a maximum building height of 12.5 meters and conform to specific roof geometries, specifically 40°-45° pitched or mansard roofs. To modernise the building without violating these traditional constraints, we proposed replacing the old facade with a high-end, three-layer stone system. We specifically avoided using wood on the exterior to ensure durability against the demanding coastal climate.
3
Two Distinct Visions
We developed two architectural variants to redefine the building's presence:
Variant 1: the modern mansard
This approach grounds the building with a light stone or ceramic facade pierced by large, undivided windows set in sharp black frames. The top floor is entirely reconstructed as a sleek, graphite mansard roof integrated with modern, minimalist dormers. While this creates a highly cohesive, unified aesthetic, it requires extending the superstructure over the entire footprint, meaning some existing terraces had to be sacrificed.
inspirations
Variant 2: the glass pavilion
Utilising the same light stone base and large windows, this variant introduces a delicate, minimalist glass superstructure for the top floor. By intentionally setting this glass construction back from the building's edge, we avoided placing heavy columns on the facade. This clever setback preserves the existing terrace above the spiral stairs and allows for the addition of new terraces in the residential section without compromising the building's clean geometry.
inspirations
4
Timeless coastal palettes
To comply with the local plan's requirement for muted, natural colours, we curated two distinct, highly refined material palettes:
- White & Black: Crisp white sandstone facades contrasted sharply with dark graphite window frames and a matching dark graphite roof.
- Warm Greys: Warm-toned sandstone paired with warm grey or olive window frames, crowned by a roof designed to mimic patinated copper.
Scope
Design
Team
Board
Bogusz Parzyszek
CEO I Founder
Design
Adam Grzesik
Senior Architect
Marzena Bednarczyk
Senior Architect
Client
Oceanic
