portfolio maja kurantowicz
Second Year MArch Architecture Project
University of Westminster - Design Studio 15
catford community decision baths
Maja Kurantowicz Portfolio
My final year project started with creating unique alphabets, components, and paintings through chance operations, forming an aesthetic language for my building. Collaborating as a team, we envisioned an eco-utopian society, shaping our master planning proposal for Catford.
Engagement with the Catford Against Social Cleansing group highlighted the displacement of long-term residents due to unaffordable developments and the lack of community consultation.
The Catford Community Decision Baths, inspired by Finnish Saunas and Ancient Roman Baths, combines a modern parliament building with a communal bathhouse. It aims to reform the decision-making process by ensuring every community voice is heard and abolishing local government hierarchy.
Communal showers and changing rooms
The drawing below depicts the Catford community debating and casting their votes stood and seated at the debate screen, which overlooks the atrium and central bath.
debate screen
The drawing below depicts the new Catford Decision Square, designed to replace the busy, polluting four-lane road, which was rerouted to improve traffic and connectivity. This central cultural hub is surrounded by the existing Broadway Theatre, historical pub, and Laurence House Library. The square features a debate pit, outdoor seating, Morris columns, vote stands, and chance operation objects.
decision square
SUN TERRACE PAINTING COMPOSITION
DECISION BATHS
CATFORD MAKER’S PALACE
LAURENCE HOUSE LIBRARY
URBAN VISION FOR CATFORD CENTRE
urban vision for catford centre
Maja Kurantowicz Portfolio
To reform Catford’s decision-making system, I divided it into seven types, recognizing that not all decisions suit the same process. When an issue arises, the appropriate process is determined through a series of questions. Each process has a designated space within the Decision Baths building, the Decision Square, or surrounding multi-purpose public buildings.
PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN
The building is made of reinforced rammed earth blocks, internally supported by a timber frame that holds the floors. These blocks, strong in compression, support timber trusses for the roof and the partly suspended debate screen, which also rests on timber columns.
The atrium layout enables passive stack ventilation. South-facing PV panels generate energy, while rainwater is collected via gutters and stored in internal tanks. Treated water is used in baths, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, with greywater recycled for toilets.
A pumped hydro-energy storage system generates electricity by moving water between upper and lower tanks, powered by PV panels during the day. Ground source heat pumps use temperature changes to heat bath water and distribute it into the pool.
DEBATE SCREEN COMPONENTS ASSEMBLY
First Year MArch Architecture Project
University of Westminster - Design Studio 15
oxford street leisure temple
Maja Kurantowicz Portfolio
I designed an eco-utopian society and a masterplan for Oxford Street, converting the Selfridges building into a Leisure Temple and Knowledge Palace. The project features a promenade theatre, communal kitchen, bathhouse, public house, exhibition spaces, animal cruelty museum, workshops, and performing studios.
I divided the large building into two blocks and added courtyards to enhance natural light and ventilation, reducing energy use. Prioritizing reuse, I retained much of the existing structure and fabric, recycling removed elements.
The Promenade Theatre is a dynamic performance space where the audience moves around to follow the action, creating an immersive and interactive experience. This is a multipurpose space used not only for theatre but also for exhibitions, performances, and other community events.
promenade theatre
A courtyard was carved in the existing building, and the windows and exterior no-bearing wall were removed to make this an open-air space. The remaining existing steel and exterior ionic columns were preserved, and the removed steel frame and windows were reused in other parts of the building.
SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF LEISURE TEMPLE
Arthurell + Kirkland Architects
redevelopment
For a private client in Epsom, this project involved a redevelopment of a large residential site within a conservation area. The redevelopment consisted of converting the existing house into six apartments, designing two new semi detached houses, and redesigning the landscape into private and communal gardens and parking. I was involved in RIBA stages 1 to 3, coming up with concept designs, communicating with the client, preparing drawings , visuals and models, and finally submitting the pre-application.
EXISTING HOUSE
HOUSE
HOUSE
Arthurell + Kirkland Architects
regency house
The project involved the refurbishment and extension of a stucco-fronted, mid19th-century, listed house in Paddington, London. This five-story GeorgianRegency property was transformed for a private client, with my role spanning RIBA Stages 1 to 4. I actively participated in regular site visits and maintained close communication with both the client and consultants. My responsibilities included preparing and submitting the planning and heritage application, as well as producing comprehensive project documentation such as detailed drawings, models, visuals, structural details, and the heritage statement.
Low
GROUND FLOOR
HERITAGE
SIGNIFICANCE
DIAGRAM
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
HERITAGE
SIGNIFICANCE
DIAGRAM
High heritage significance: external enevelope and principal features
Medium heritage significance: line of original layout/plan or structure
heritage significance: modern fit out, fittings or modern layout
Arthurell + Kirkland Architects
church presbytery
For the redevelopment of a St Albans church, presbytery, and site, I was heavily involved from the initial design phase to the final proposal. I produced concept designs and drawings alongside the head architect, including a site masterplan and layout plans for proposed flats. I created SketchUp models of existing and proposed designs, which I used to draw basic concept visuals. My research covered previous planning applications, parking policies, and site context. I communicated with the client, prepared necessary documents, and attended site visits to present and discuss our initial ideas for the project. I was involved in RIBA stages 1 to 3.
PROPOSED SITE PLAN AND VISUAL
Arthurell + Kirkland Architects
Edwardian house
For a private client in North London, this project involved refurbishing and extending a threestory Edwardian house, along with landscaping. Using a Minor Works Contract, the design team included a project architect, myself, and an interior designer. I was involved in RIBA stages 3 to 5, attending site visits, and preparing construction drawings, contract valuations, building manuals, and snagging documents. PROPOSED
PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN
depot and offices
For a national cabling and communications company, I have worked on a number of projects around England, such as in Ashford, St Helens, and Bristol, to deliver regional depots with warehouses, training, and office spaces. Using a construction management procurement route, I collaborated with the client’s in-house building department and several consultants. The projects involved developing a main regional depot to deliver digital, engineering, technical, and logistical services for various industries. I prepared masterplans, architectural drawings, and planning application documents, participating in RIBA stages 2 to 5.
proposed section, elevations, and site plan
Maja Kurantowicz Portfolio
flats
For a private client in Oxford, this project involved converting and refurbishing a four story terraced office building into three flats. I was involved in RIBA stages 2 to 5, attending site visits, and preparing construction and detail drawings, as well as planning and building control submissions.
proposed plans and construction details
