Zmotywowana i kreatywna studentka architektury, obecnie na 6. roku studiów. Chętna do podejmowania nowych wyzwań projektowych i stale poszukująca możliwości rozwoju osobistego i zawodowego. Laureatka wielu konkursów projektowych, z doświadczeniem w szerokim zakresie projektowania, obejmującym grafikę, wnętrza i architekturę. Pasjonatka podróży, czerpiąca inspiracje z różnorodnych kultur. Miłośniczka sportów, wnosząca do każdego projektu umiejętność pracy zespołowej, dyscyplinę i energię.
Edukacja Doświadczenie
Politechnika Warszawska | Architektura
09.2020 - obecnie
Architekt wnętrz
Studia Jednolite Magisterskie freelance
średnia ocen 5.0; stypendium rektora
stypendium Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego w roku akademickim 2024/25
Chalmers University of Technology | Architecture
09.2024 - 01.2025
Wymiana ERASMUS+, Szwecja
Beyond Sustainability Master Course
University of Detroit Mercy | Architecture
08.2023 - 12.2023
Wymiana bilateralna, USA
Global Shared Learning Classroom certificate | Tecnológico de Monterrey & University of Detroit Mercy
Universidade Lusiada de Lisboa | Architecture
08.2022 - 06.2023
Wymiana ERASMUS+, Portugalia
Projekty dodatkowe
Inicjatywa Stawiamy 2025
Uczestniczka projektu design-build na Wydziale Architektury. Pawilon Wspólnoty, Łazienki Królewskie, Warszawa.
Opracowanie pełnego projektu wykonawczego mieszkania dla klientki indywidualnej w Gdańsku (od koncepcji po dokumentację techniczną).
Projektantka graficzna
Grupa REB sp. z o.o., Newtrition sp. z o.o. sp.k., Pet Lover sp. z o.o.; freelance
Identyfikacja wizualna marki Petlover, projekty stron www. plpetlover.pl, www.grupareb.pl, opakowania do druku, materiały marketingowe dla marek Petlover i Feel Fit.
Stażystka
CHYBIK + KRISTOF ARCHITECTS; Brno, Czechy
Praca zarówno nad koncepcjami architektonicznymi na konkursy jak i projektami w realizacji (Arena hokejowa, Jihlava). Przygotowywanie grafik, prezentacji, modeli komputerowych, analiz urbanistycznych.
Grupa REB sp. z o.o.; Warszawa
Analiza działek pod inwestycje, liczenie PUM, przygotowywanie prezentacji oraz materiałów graficznych.
Stażystka Dyrektorka naczelna, wspólzałożycielka
Box of Socks; Warszawa
Jako uczennica liceum założyłam firmę zajmującą się projektowaniem i sprzedażą skarpetek z indywidualnym wzornictwem. Zdobyłam umiejętności przywódcze, zarządzając zespołem, współpracowałam z producentami, projektowałam wzory i koordynowałam produkcję, sprzedaż oraz marketing
Nagrody
Nagroda Studencka
Międzynarodowy konkurs architektoniczny BUILDNER
“The MICROHOME Kingspan Edition #2”
Finalistka w Drype Logo Competition
Międzynarodowy konkurs projektowy “Drype Logo”, organizator: TerraViva
3. miejsce + Nagroda Studencka
Międzynarodowy konkurs architektoniczny BUILDNER
“Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing”
Umiejętności komunikacyjne i zarządzania zespołem Bardzo dobra organizacja pracy, współpraca zdalna Praca w zespole międzynarodowym
Języki
Polski
Angielski Niemiecki
Hiszpański
rodzimy C1/C2 A1 A1 Rhino, Recap, 3dsmax, Revit
2. miejsce + Nagroda Studencka
Międzynarodowy konkurs architektoniczny BUILDNER
“Portuguese Olive Guest House”
3. miejsce dla “Box of Socks” w ogólnopolskim konkursie „PRODUKCIK 2019”
Konkurs na najlepsze młodzieżowe miniprzedsiębiorstwo organizator: Fundacja Młodzieżowej Przedsiębiorczości
First Aid Kit
Buildner Student Award in Internatinal Competition “MICROHOME Kingspan#2”
Refugee-driven migration requires a place of residence for several months to a few years. Drawing on past experiences, First Aid Kit might serve as a future solution. Collaboration established between UNHCR and Kingspan can provide a sustainable alternative for a shelter. A key element is the offsite construction system based on efficient Kingspan products, allowing components to be easily assembled on-site.
The project looks for a new model of a building that is quick to build, cheap to construct and can be easily moved. It is a unit consisting of 4 prefabricated modules, as well as a separate floor and roof structure. All the dimensions are adapted to fit the size of the HC 40 container, which can be transported in trucks, trains, and ships. The module can be assembled with simple tools without heavy machinery by its future users within a few days, operating alone or in the modular structure. After the time when the temporary residences are no longer needed, they can be disassembled and relocated to another crisis site.
Karolina Rorat + Ewa Maniak + Łukasz Danilczuk
flooring and roofing components
prefabrication, standarization and transport in containers via trucks, trains or ships.
repurposing or recycling QuadCore LEC panels and steel
dissasembly and transport maintaining its functionality.
Lifecycle
With the 3R rule in mind, the modular steel frame of the microhome enables multiple relocations, extending its lifespan and minimizing waste. Its high strength-to-weight ratio enhances transport efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
on-site assembly without heavy machinery
lifecycle of a microhome
As one of the most recyclable materials—boasting a recovery rate of over 90%—steel can be endlessly repurposed without compromising its structural integrity. At the end of its use cycle, components can be dismantled, reused, or fully recycled, supporting a circular approach.
b. opening dining table c. moveable furniture d. fixed countertop
e. fixed storage
f. opening bed/sofa
g. hidden additional shutters
h. gutters and watertank
Interiors
25m2 microhome is designed for maximum efficiency. The use of light plywood throughout the interior creates a soft, natural ambiance, bringing warmth to the compact space. Additionally, plywood’s insulating properties improve indoor comfort by regulating temperature and humidity. The unit can be opened from both sides, allowing for cross-ventilation that improves indoor air quality and provides natural cooling.
Microhome, consisting of four prefabircated modules, has two main types of furniture: fixed and movable. A multifunctional core furniture, located in the left module, can be opened or closed to suit different needs — privacy, work, gatherings, or rest. The room can serve as a single spacious area or two separate rooms while keeping the connection with the bathroom open. Residents can rearrange their living area throughout the day.
Social Integration
After emergency aid, integration is key for lasting resilience. The external grid fosters social, cultural, and economic exchange, while ground-floor services support small businesses and coworking. Housing modules open to shared terraces, creating semi-public spaces for neighborly interaction. Residents can shape and maintain these areas, building a collaborative, self-sustaining community.
The grid
The Grid Manual guides the integration of microhome clusters into underused urban areas. Movable foundations enable temporary use of vacant plots, while adaptable stairs and terraces adjust to specific sites. A central technical unit supplies heating, electricity, and water, and the roof is fitted with semi-transparent solar panels that generate energy.
Climate adjustability
Due to environmental and conflict-related issues, involuntary migration (over 122.6 million (UNHCR, 2024)) calls for flexible housing solutions that can adapt to a variety of inconsistent climate conditions. QuadCore LEC panels, which are well-known for their adaptability and thermal efficiency, are used to meet this need. First Aid Kit can be adjusted by choosing suitable finishes and modifying the panel’s thickness. Shading elements, such as movable louvers or overhangs, can control the amount of sunlight, reducing overheat. The roof angle can also be customized, with steeper angles in areas prone to heavy rainfall or snow accumulation.
Fitting into the context
The concept can be used to a variety of land plots, including neglected municipal areas. Microhomes can be organized into number of different arrangements, that fit the desired space. It is feasible because the structure doesn’t permanently interfere with the ground and can be relocated when needed. It is also important to emphasize that the suggested method is not limited to integrating microhomes into bigger structures. Without an extra layer, they might alternatively operate independently or as two connected microhomes. This permits development of customized solutions, aligned with the context.
subpolar zone temperate zone tropical zone
wall panel thickness white, 100mm 100mm 150mm
roof panel thickness white, 100mm 150mm 150mm
shading thermal curtains sliding shutters external louvers additional features angeled roof rainwater harvester deep overhangs
June 2025
Centrum Studenckie PW
Projekt na 10 sem. na Wydziale Architektury PW „Modernizacja i Adaptacja”
Projekt adaptacji Stołówki Centralnej Politechniki Warszawskiej stanowi impuls do całościowej rewitalizacji kampusu uczelni. Założenie projektowe koncentruje się wokół stworzenia nowej osi przestrzennej, łączącej Gmach Główny PW z Polem Mokotowskim. Głównym założeniem urbanistycznym jest ograniczenie ruchu kołowego na rzecz pieszej wędrówki wśród zieleni oraz integracja przestrzeni akademickiej z miejską tkanką Warszawy. Zaprojektowana, organicznie prowadzona kładka – wijąca się między wydziałami –wprowadza miękką geometrię, kontrastującą z prostymi, rygorystycznymi formami otoczenia.
Karolina Rorat + Zuzanna Derska
10th semester project
Stołówka Centralna PW
Stołówka w kontekście kampusu
Pomimo centralnej lokalizacji w strukturze kampusu Politechniki Warszawskiej, budynek Stołówki Centralnej pozostaje słabo powiązany z otaczającą tkanką przestrzenną. Jego położenie – na przecięciu dwóch nieaktywnych ulic – nie generuje naturalnego ruchu pieszego. Kampus, w znacznej mierze zdominowany przez infrastrukturę samochodową i rozrzucone budynki wydziałowe, nie wspiera integracji przestrzennej obiektów. Brakuje wyraźnie zdefiniowanej osi pieszej, sekwencji placów czy ciągłości zieleni, które mogłyby wzmacniać społeczne funkcje obiektów. Stołówka, zamiast działać jako przestrzenny i funkcjonalny węzeł kampusu, pozostaje w dużej mierze wyizolowana.
GRADACJA
klub studencki
SERCE KAMPUSU
przestrzenie prywatne studenckie
integracja społeczna
otwarty publiczny parter
publiczne prywatne
co-working połączenie środowiska studenckiego ze startupami
GŁÓWNE WĘZŁY
przestrzenie
łączące wydziały ze stołówką
INTEGRACJA
MIĘDZYWYDZIAŁOWA +COWORKING
główne węzły -> placyki miejskostudenckie
minimalizacja parkingów
zieleń jako „kręgosłup kampusu”
kawiarnia ogólnodostępna
naturalne połączenie zewnętrza z wnętrzem schodki jako przestrzeń integracji
przestrzenie nakierowujące na stołówkę, podczas spaceru na kampusie
otwarty kampus
MIĘDZY GMACHEM GŁÓWNYM A POLAMI MOKOTOWSKIMI
diagram idei
Modernizacja Stołówki Centralnej
Budynek Stołówki Centralnej, zaprojektowany w duchu późnego modernizmu, zachowuje swój unikalny wyraz architektoniczny. Monolityczność bryły zostaje podkreślona i urozmaicona, dodając charakterystyczne zaoblenia i spiralną klatkę schodową łączącą ogród z tarasem. Projekt zakłada również częściową reinterpretację. Fasada została wzbogacona o współczesne akcenty: między innymi prefabrykowane łuki doprojektowane przy istniejących słupach, które wprowadzają nowy rytm i plastykę elewacji.
Kluczową decyzją projektową jest odsłonięcie częściowo wkopanej kondygnacji piwnicznej oraz jej połączenie z poziomem terenu, co umożliwia pełne otwarcie parteru na otoczenie kampusu. Główna strefa wejściowa została przekształcona poprzez usunięcie fragmentów stropów i zaprojektowanie otwartego placu schodzącego niemal transparentnie do wnętrza – tworząc nową, publiczną przestrzeń o silnym charakterze społecznym.
struktury dodane
struktury usunięte
Centrum Studenckie PW
Stołówka Centralna PW w kontekście otoczenia fragment planu Warszawy z roku 1980
1. Przestrzeń wystawowa przy ul. Nowowiejskiej
Spacer rozpoczynamy od strony ulicy Nowowiejskiej, znajduje się tam otwarta przestrzeń ekspozycyjna, będąca symbolicznym początkiem nowej osi pieszej. Transparentna kompozycja placu – bez zadaszenia, w pełni dostępna – umożliwia wgląd w to, co aktualnie dzieje się we wnętrzu Sali wystawowej Centrum Studenckiego, otwierając akademickie życie na miejskiego przechodnia i wzmacniając dialog uczelni z tkanką Warszawy.
3. Pawilon w ogrodzie – przestrzeń wyciszenia
Pośród zieleni, przy środkowym odcinku kładki, wyłania się organiczna forma pawilonu – lekka, siatkowa konstrukcja z metalu i rur, osłonięta roślinnością. Centralna, zacieniona nisza oferuje miejsce kontemplacji i odpoczynku, stanowiąc przestrzeń wyciszenia, która łagodnie wciąga użytkownika w głąb kampusu i sugeruje dalszy ruch ku Polu Mokotowskiemu.
5. Wejście do klubu studenckiego
Idąc wzdłuż południowej części budynku, natrafiamy na pochylnię prowadzącą do klubu studenckiego, z drzewem, które jest centralnym punktem kompozycji. Spiralna klatka schodowa staje się znakiem rozpoznawczym. Modernistyczne detale – okrągłe okna, rytm elewacji i podcienia – reinterpretują język późnego modernizmu, łącząc go z funkcją współczesnego miejsca spotkań i wydarzeń masowych.
5.
2. Przestrzeń wydziałowa – strefa studencka
Idąc dalej trafiamy do ukrytej w istniejącej zieleni jednej z wydzielonych przestrzeni wydziałowych, będących elastycznym narzędziem dla wspólnot studenckich. Zagospodarowane przez wydziały siedziska, stoły i elementy mikroarchitektury tworzą autorskie enklawy aktywności, które odpowiadają na rzeczywiste potrzeby studentów – relaks, praca, nieformalne spotkania – i tym samym wzmacniają tożsamość akademicką w skali mikro. Centrum Studenckie
4. Główne wejście do stołówki – plac wejściowy
Sercem całego układu jest zredefiniowane wejście główne do Centrum Studenckiego – monumentalne, ale zarazem zapraszające. Półokrągłe schody, zintegrowane z zielenią i rampą, tworzą tarasowy plac wejściowy schodzący w głąb budynku. Transparentna struktura oraz zieleń rozmywają granice między wnętrzem a otoczeniem, czyniąc z wejścia aktywną przestrzeń społeczną kampusu.
6. Węzeł mobilności na Polu Mokotowskim
Na krańcu założenia, przy połączeniu kampusu z Polem Mokotowskim, znajduje się punkt serwisowy i wypożyczalnia rowerów, stanowiący logiczne zwieńczenie nowej osi pieszej. Subtelna rampa wprowadzająca ruch z kładki nad Aleją Armii Ludowej łączy miejską infrastrukturę z naturalnym krajobrazem parku, tworząc bramę między światem akademickim a przestrzenią publiczną Warszawy.
PLAN PARTERU
LEGENDA
KLUB STUDENCKI
1. strefa wejściowa
2. szatnia
3. toalety
4. komunikacja-schody
5. bar
6. bar-pomieszczenie socjalne
7. bar- zaplecze
8. bar- kuchnia
9. segregacja odpadów
10. magazyn
11. strefa barowa
12. strefa taneczna ze sceną
13. strefa relaksu
COWORKING
14. strefa wejściowa
15. szatnia
16. sala konferencyjna
17. hol główny
18. komunikacja- schody
19. pomieszczenie techniczne
STREFA PUBLICZNA
20. placyk publiczny z zielenią
21. główna strefa wejściowa
22. kawiarnia - strefy siedzenia
23. kawiarnia- ogródek
24. komunikacja-schody
25. komunikacja-winda
26. kawiarnia-kuchnia
27. kawiarnia-pom. socjalne
28. toaleta dla pracowników
29. magazynek
30. toalety
31. szatnie
32. foyer
Strefa klubu studenckiego
W piwnicy zlokalizowano bar z parkietem do tańca, przystosowany do organizacji wydarzeń i koncertów. Na antresoli zaprojektowano strefy barowe i miejsca do siedzenia, natomiast wyższe kondygnacje mieszczą przestrzeń relaksu z bilardem, grami planszowymi i strefą chilloutu. Na dachu zaplanowano kino plenerowe typu silent cinema z mobilnym barem..
Elastyczna przestrzeń do i zespołowej, dostępna użytkowników zewnętrznych abonamentowym. Na najwyższej przewidziano biura do wynajmu dla startupów Całość dopełnia ogólnodostępny
Strefa coworkingu
coworkingu do pracy indywidualnej dostępna dla studentów oraz zewnętrznych w modelu najwyższej kondygnacji do długoterminowego startupów akademickich. ogólnodostępny taras.
Strefa Publiczna
Przestrzeń otwarta dla wszystkich użytkowników, połączona z zielonym placykiem przyziemia. Obejmuje kawiarnię, salę wielofunkcyjną typu audytorium oraz zaoblony pawilon ekspozycyjny z tarasem przy wystawach.
Prefabrykowane łuki elewacji
W projekcie modernizacji szczególne znaczenie nadano detalom łączącym nową architekturę z istniejącą strukturą. Jednym z kluczowych elementów tego dialogu jest system prefabrykowanych łuków betonowych, dopełniających rytm istniejących słupów. Ich forma – opływowa i miękka – wprowadza nowy wymiar plastyczny do modernistycznej, surowej tektoniki budynku, jednocześnie pozostając w zgodzie z jego materiałową logiką.
Co istotne, nowe elementy powstały z poszanowaniem idei cyrkularnego budownictwa –jako świadoma próba nie tylko estetycznego, ale i materialnego powiązania przeszłości z przyszłością. Kruszywo użyte w betonie prefabrykatów pozyskano z materiałów odzyskanych bezpośrednio z modernizowanego budynku.
Odlewanie łuków
Montaż prefabrykatów
elewacja wschodnia
elewacja południowa
Re-Sanatorium
3rd place and Buildner Student Award in Internatinal Competition “Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing”
The years 1880 and 1939 are the borderline dates for the creation of Nadświdrzańska architecture. Its appearance in this area is related to the expansion of railway connections from Warsaw to the south-east on the Otwock Line. The local climate of pine forests, drawing the attention of doctors to their positive effect in the treatment of lung diseases led to obtaining the health resort status of the region. The entire area flourished due to the popularization of spending time at holiday resorts. Uniqueness and picturesqueness were to accompany its use, creating a fairytale and romantic scenography for relaxation. After the war, the lack of interest of the authorities and the bad economic situation gradually led to the degradation of the buildings and the complete disappearance of the resort’s character.
December 2023 competition
Karolina Rorat + Ewa Maniak + Zofia Zwijacz
Objective
Re-Sanatorium strives to maintain the local identity of the place, bringing back the memory of one of the most important Polish architectural influences that is now lost and forgotten. By harmonizing with the surroundings and referring to the local history and architecture, the project becomes a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional “Świdermajer”. The Genius Loci persists in verandas, which, hidden between native pine trees, become the main narrative for the project. Moreover, the use of typical decorations and functional organization of the spaces recalls the traditional elements for which the region is known. In the future, the proposed idea is to be able to revitalize abandoned Świdermajers, giving the neighborhood a sense of belonging, and persisting the fairy-tale ambiance.
Typology & Decoration
The juxtaposition of solids is a key component of Nadświdrzańska architecture. The project aims to examine the limits of the idea of “Świdermajer”, determining new possible shapes that refer to the local heritage. The form of Re-Sanatorium is created from bridging two repetitive modules, which, depending on the external factors, can be multiplied into larger scale residential areas. Slightly disturbed symmetry arranges the plot into specific zones of inside and outside spaces. The segment, made up of adjoining units and verndas to the main body, gives a sense of additiviness. Curvilinear lace decorations, once used under the protruding eaves of the roofs, are now used more freely, becoming not only ornamentation but also a characteristic functional element of the whole. Openwork details on the verandas create semitransparent barriers, blurring the boundaries between the inside and the outside.
map of the boundries of „Świdermajer” architecture
context map of „Świdermajer” architecture in the area
axonometry of the eastern module
Community
Being in close proximity to kindergartens, schools, and residential areas, the Re-Sanatorium seeks to fight the age gap and promote the exchange of passions and skills. Participating in various activities, collaborating in the shop, cafe, and organizing classes for children, all help to overcome the feeling of isolation and enhance quality of life. The community-centered design allows for passing valuable knowledge on to younger generations as well as sharing experiences between residing seniors.
Pines
The native pine forest found on the site designates the shape and structure of the building. The fragmented form aims to preserve most of the oldgrowth trees and keep the reminiscences of the past. The concern to recycle natural resources is reflected in the use of local pinewood in the exteriors as well as in the interiors. The skeletal CLT structure becomes a modern substitute, which refers to the traditional way of building “Świdermajer”. Project seamlessly blends the building into the lush greenery and regional wooden architecture.
ground floor plan
Gardens & Greenhouse
Re-Sanatorium strives to be self-sufficient, focusing its operation on fresh produce - native polish fruits and vegetables. The community gardens, an orchard, and the greenhouse supply the cafe and provide opportunities for various cooking experiences through workshops or neighborhood meetings. Thanks to composting, the project manages to limit the amount of waste and keeps the garden nourished. It also benefits from rain gardens, which, located in the niches of the block, collect water.
The greenhouse, hidden between the greenery, not only hosts communal cooking sessions but also neighborhood breakfasts or dinners. Sunk in the orchard, it becomes a destination for the neighborhood residents. Annual happenings such as harvesting, fruit-picking, and preparing preserves, determined by seasons, reflect the cyclical rhythms of nature.
Indoor
Housing complex hosts activities at a range of scales. It is a place where personal needs combine with shared hobbies, providing flexible opportunities. The nature and scope of those will be formed by the needs of the community. It can be something as casual as a meeting with the grandkids or as grand as an act or a concert in the multifunctional auditorium. The project invites everyone to take part in a variety of workshops, including painting, pottery, cooking, and sports activities.
Moreover, the cafe, located close to the street, invites people to try freshly baked goods, promoting interaction between passersby and the residents. Finally, rehabilitation and medical facilities are designed to suit any level of physical ability, ensuring that seniors can access healthcare. Some of them, for instance, the doctor’s office, are open to the public, contributing to an additional source of income.
Verandas
In the architecture of the “Świdermajer” objects, verandas are their main architectural distinguishing feature. In Re-Sanatorium, they are one of the most important places for the integration of residential community, providing not only multisensory relaxation among the pine forest but also an opportunity to stay in touch with neighbors. Design also includes interior verandas, breaking their traditional convention as only exterior spaces. Inside, they provide visual contact between the common spaces as well as with the sky.
Levels of integration
Repetitive floor plan is designed to provide integration between residents on many different levels. Project seeks easily adaptable environments to meet residents constantly changing needs. Clear division of space into private, semi-private and public allows for flexible interconnections between residents, fulfilling needs of individuals as well as the whole community. Libraries and relaxation zones, community kitchen and verandas become occasions and moments of interaction.
Inclusiveness
All spaces are adjusted for users with different abilities, eliminating not only the physical but also the mental frontiers. Seniors can choose between single and double rooms, depending on their needs. Every room is equipped with emergency buttons, a lift, accessible furniture, and an adjustable bed upon request. Colors, textures, and simple, repetitive spatial relationships provide a comfortable environment for older people struggling with mental health problems. The project seeks adaptability to meet seniors’ needs over time.
Memory
Residents are encouraged to bring their favorite pieces of furniture, such as armchairs, cupboards, chairs, rugs, or beds. By doing so, the ReSanatorium provides a homely atmosphere, allowing people to preserve their memories without having to part with their treasures. Each suite is unique and adapted to the lifestyle of the owners. Seniors are also welcome to bring their pets, providing necessary companionship for their owners.
1st floor plan
Olive Hearth
2nd place and Buildner Student Award in Internatinal Competition “Portuguese Olive Guest House”
The Olive Hearth guesthouse sits on a hill with a panoramic view of the valley below. The form manages to make the most of the unique terrain and views. The abstract, twisted windmill engages with the landscape, diving into the hill at points and breaking away from it at others. Organized internally through a succession of planes that follow the course of the topography, the movement through the building is a reflection of the experience of walking down the hill.
Karolina Rorat + Ewa Maniak
Topography
While the slight slope of the hill calls for an irregular altitude of the roof, we diversified the heights of all rooms to achieve uniform roof structure. The west seems to be lifted from the ground, while the upper part seems to be buried in the hill. Between the rooms there is a 0.5-meter level difference, corresponding to the slope of the plot. One room, located on the same level as the living area, is fully accessible for people with limited mobility.
Sustainability
Portugal is known for several climatic problems, such as high temperatures in the summer as well as droughts and floods. In response to those issues, we propose a passive ventilation system in the chimney mass, which will significantly reduce the energy used to cool the building. Moreover, underground water storage will supply the gardens as well as the daily needs of the guests, making the guesthouse nearly self-sufficient.
Tectonics
The elemental form and materiality draw inspiration from the earliest buildings in Leiria region, where the guesthouse is located. Adobo - a typical Portuguese mudbrick- contains earth and other bio-based materials such as sand, straw, and clay. Everything is compressed manually, directly onsite. The structure is covered with local lime plaster.
Adobe serves as a significant heat reservoir due to the thermal properties inherent in the massive walls, typical in its construction. Thick walls require a large and relatively long input of heat before they warm through to the interior. This moderates the temperature of the indoor living space.
A-A longitudinal section
View axes
Strong and opaque adobo structure is connected by delicate and transparent openings. It creates not only a contrast but also viewing axes between the outside communal spaces and the interior, providing a glimpse into the semi-private gardens. Thus, the boundaries between inside and outside are blurred, creating a seamless transition between spaces.
The hearth
The most striking element of the design is the chimney that connects „sacrum” and „profanum”. It functions as a traditional wood-fired oven and fireplace on both floors. The heart of the guesthouse is multifunctional, providing guests with various activities around it. The form reinterprets „forno a lenha”, typical for portuguese architecture. axonometry
Gardens
The interior is planned to open up to the vast expanse of fields, framing views outward and opening to terraces. The house has a sunny, landscaped outdoor living space with common tables and benches, designated by a series of more and less intimate garden areas. Each two guestrooms compose a courtyard, which is linked to the common space. Semi-private gardens allow for an independent entrance to the rooms.
Canvas
Each guestroom has its own view axes, marking the surroundings on three planes. Firstly, entering the room, the guests are provided with unique landmarks. Secondly, another canvas, representing the ambience of the room and its garden, is visible from the bed. Finally, the ceilings in the bathrooms are designed to provide a sensual experience while framing the sky. The light pours in from the skylights at the top of the sculpted bathtubs.
1. Experience
The lower floor is organized internally through a succession of phases that follow the olive oil tasting experience. Textures, smells, and sounds strongly affect the senses of the user. Visitors walk down the hidden stairs and are greeted in a foyer. Simplicity in designs with raw materials of red clay, limestone, and wooden furniture emphasizes the place spirit in traditional olive oil production.
2. Pão
Adjacent to the foyer are a large wooden table and a pantry. To strengthen community sense, people gather around it and bake together the traditional Portuguese „pão”, which is further used in the olive oil tasting process. The elongated table flows seamlessly into a worktop connected to the woodfired oven. As smells have the power to bring back memories and help us navigate our surroundings, this space engages all of our senses.
3. Olive Oil
The tasting room is located in the semi-open niche adjacent to the hearth. It provides an intimate space for the community. The fireplace scatters the light on the floor and walls, which builds up a magical lighting atmosphere within the space. Low, natural light and comfortable sitting places encourage the user to focus on the olive oil tasting, shutting down the sense of sight.
4. Light
The warm light setting and the solid clay texture are well matched in harmony. Natural fire light is delicately set with the wall installation, which will grow with the number of olive oil tastings over time. After each experience, guests leave the bottle inside the sculpted hole and turn on a symbolic light. On the lower floor, we can also find the prayer room, which has a direct insight to the hearth with the ephemeral living fire.
Smultronstället
9th semester project in Chalmers university of Technology, Sweden, ERASMUS exchange
Smultronstället is a youth-led initiative aimed at revitalizing Väjern’s harbor while addressing key challenges, such as youth migration to larger cities, the lack of youth-oriented spaces, and reliance on seasonal tourism. The initiative takes its name from “Smultronstället,” a Swedish term for a cherished place of comfort and joy, tied to fond memories and a longing to return. The project empowers local adolescents by establishing a youth-led organization that transforms an abandoned boathouse along with other municipal huts into vibrant, multifunctional spaces for community engagement, artistic expression, and a sense of belonging. Involving local youth, neighbors, artists, and the municipality, the project uses community-based participatory design to ensure meaningful collaboration.
January 2025 9th semester project
Karolina Rorat + Ewa Maniak
Idea
The focal point of this project are the municipality owned boathouses. The municipality lends these buildings to the community, but it keeps ownership to guarantee long term vision. Their historical and cultural significance is preserved while adaptive reuse is made possible by this arrangement. Through the adaptation, reconstruction, and reimagining of pre-existing boathouses, the project investigates various strategies for preservation and revitalization of vernacular architecture. Tradition and modernity are combined in each structure, which represents a unique design approach catered to its condition and community needs.
Open form
The project follows the principles of Oskar Hansen’s Open Form theory, allowing designs to evolve over time to meet the changing needs of users. The initiative remains open-ended, with the potential to transform additional municipal boathouses in the future. Despite constraints, Smultronstället seeks to empower young people in Sotenäs by fostering a sense of community and belonging, encouraging them to stay or return to the area as active residents rather than seasonal visitors.
In 2025, the municipality of Sotenäs decides to revitalize Väjern’s harbor by providing an opportunity for local youth to take on a hands-on project. They donate a dilapidated „Mary” boathouse to the youth, that will restore and maintain it themselves.
A small group of adolescents rebuilds the boathouse from upcycled materials and creates a community cafe. As the pier around it was in collapsing state, they decide to renovate it and add an extansion for various outdoor activities.
The youth, now more experienced, renovates the second hut and adds an external structure to create outdoor space. By 2030, both buildings are opened, providing not only a gathering space but also valuable learning opportunities for the entire village.
As the years pass, the community center continues to grow, adapting to the needs of the residents. New initiatives are hosted in other boathouses provided by the municipality. Moreover, private owners start to engage and donate their boathouses.
section of boathouses A-A, phase 3
1. community kitchen / café
2. toilet
3. pantry
4. storage
5. workshop area
6. wind pavilion
7. pier: sitting/relax area
8. nets: relax zone
9. boathouse for adaptation
10. boathouse for adaptation
11. boathouse for adaptation
Smultronstället- transformation project for local community
Transformations- „Mary”
The boathouse “Mary” (1), in severe disrepair with collapsing structure, was transformed through an upcycled reinterpretation. While respecting the original structure and reusing some parts, modern elements were added, creating a fully insulated, multifunctional, year-round community space with a chimney.
Workshop
The original uninsulated structure was maintained for the workshop (5), which emphasized playfulness by creating dynamic openings between the wooden columns. This area provides space for various workshops and artistic activities, adapting to users’ needs.
section B-B and facade of reinterpreted “Mary”
Community pavilion
The pavilion (6) is a free reference to the traditional form boathouses. This construction maintains the original dimensions while incorporating windinteracting recycled fishing net materials to create a unique multisensory experience, while seamlessly extending the nearby semi-open workshop boathouse. All three buildings are connected by view axes and in-between spaces to align the space with adjacent structures and relate it to its surroundings.
Participatory design
Smultronstället’s invites people to share with us their ideas. A key component of the design process was community involvement, which allowed local residents to collaborate on ideas and solutions that were specific to their needs. The project idea was formed during the interviews with stakeholders, which provided insightful local point of view. During the exhibition of the final project, local residents and politics were invited to share with us their ideas about the future possibilities of adapting the boathouses.
inside/outside perspective, workshop in the community pavilion, phase 3
Smultronstället- transformation project for local community
stickers- participatory design
participatory design: involving local residents during exhibition
