Hotel Warszauer: Icon of Krakow's Kazimierz

Warszauer Hotel, located in Krakow’s Kazimierz district, has become a model of modern boutique architecture, gaining recognition both in Poland and internationally. Designed by the renowned Indo Architekci studio, the project seamlessly blends historical heritage with a contemporary approach. This is evidenced by prestigious awards such as the Architecture MasterPrize Awards 2023, the Saint-Gobain Glass Design Award, and a nomination for the ArchDaily 2023 Building of the Year Awards.

Krakow as an Inspiration

Indo Architects, deeply rooted in Krakow, drew inspiration from Kazimierz’s rich history, creating a project that respects tradition while introducing modern solutions. Saint-Gobain Glass played a key role in merging aesthetics with technology, a factor appreciated by both investors and competition juries.

Warszauer Hotel is an outstanding example of architecture that sets new standards in the hospitality industry while promoting Polish design on the global stage.

Interview with Indo Architects:

Olga Kisiel-Konopka: Indo Architects was founded in 2003. Over the years, you have successfully completed a variety of projects across different functions and scales, winning numerous prestigious national and international awards. Today, your headquarters are located in the heart of historic Krakow, emphasizing your strong ties to local heritage while allowing you to respond to modern industry challenges. You are deeply embedded in the historical context yet fully understand the present. Hotel Warszauer is not only a reflection of Kazimierz’s historical roots but also a conscious step toward modern, well-thought-out architecture that respects its surroundings. What were your main inspirations and concepts when designing this project?

Indo: The hotel was built within the historical fabric of Krakow’s Kazimierz, so our primary inspiration was its immediate surroundings. Our studio is located nearby, and we observe how this part of Krakow is evolving every day. Therefore, we focused on finding a modern façade material. We wanted our design to harmoniously blend with Kazimierz’s unique context—paying homage to its history while aligning with contemporary architectural trends.

Innovative Façade: Saint-Gobain Glass in harmony with the environment

OKK: The Saint-Gobain Glass façade of Hotel Warszauer not only allows guests to observe their surroundings from their rooms but also acts as a mirror, reflecting the colors of the environment.
How did you achieve this integration?

When designing the façade of Hotel Warszauer, our priority was to find state-of-the-art technological solutions. The combination of Corian and glass, both extremely pure materials, allowed the façade to reflect its surroundings while providing hotel guests with an immersive visual experience.

One of the key challenges we faced was ensuring soundproofing for the rooms. Therefore, we sought glass that not only provided the desired reflective effect but also effectively insulated against noise and intense light. Among the many options we analyzed, Saint-Gobain Glass stood out as the ideal choice, offering solar protection at a level that met our expectations.

We didn’t limit ourselves to visual impact alone. Sunlight control and noise reduction played a crucial role in our project. That’s why we chose Saint-Gobain COOL-LITE® SKN 165II glass, which not only met our aesthetic expectations but also fulfilled the most critical functional requirements. 

Sustainable Construction at the forefront

How did you learn about the Saint-Gobain Glass Design Award?
We used to participate in many competitions, but now we take a much more selective approach. For us, such contests are an opportunity to express ourselves without investor constraints and to showcase our perspective on architecture. When we saw information about the Saint-Gobain Glass Design Award on one of the industry portals, we realized that we had used this glass in the hotel's design. The partially glazed façade contributes to the hotel's reputation, but we did not choose Saint-Gobain Glass products with the intention of winning the competition—we only learned about it afterward. Winning in the “Harmony with the Environment” category was a great joy for us.

Glass in architecture serves not only technical functions but also inspires architects to create innovative and modern projects that merge functionality with aesthetics. Does it play an important role in your designs?
We are aware that glass is an integral part of a façade or a window, but it is also an element that must be carefully designed. That’s why we approach its selection with great awareness. Krakow, with its rich historical heritage, is one of the cities where cultural preservation plays a crucial role in shaping urban space. When planning and executing architectural projects, we must meticulously consider the restrictions imposed by heritage conservators. We managed to create a project that is modern, showcases contemporary materials, yet is located in a very historical setting.

Does your project incorporate sustainable building principles?
In the context of challenges related to sustainable development, considering eco-friendly construction principles is a crucial aspect of our new projects. In the case of Hotel Warszauer, there was a strong awareness of introducing low-emission solutions, even though the building itself is not large. The investors focused primarily on economic aspects related to the building's maintenance. For example, the use of a white façade helps minimize the building’s heat absorption. Additionally, the color scheme, insulation thickness, and the type of Saint-Gobain Glass used contributed to the creation of a low-emission structure, which is a key element of sustainable construction.

Olga Kisiel-Konopka: Thank you for the conversation.

*Warszauer Hotel won the Architecture MasterPrize Awards (AMP) 2023 in the Hotel Architecture category. The Architecture MasterPrize is a leading global award in architecture and design. The hotel project was recognized among thousands of exceptional entries from 81 countries.
The award ceremony took place on November 18, 2024, at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
Source Indo Architekci