Romanticism and modernity. That they don't go together? But they do!

Architect Janusz Labuz from the architectural company Plockie Prakownie Projektowe and the company PREFA faced a challenging task of reconstructing the former orangery so that it could now serve as a castle museum that would not lose its earlier romantic character while fully complying with modern architecture.

“A complete reconstruction of the orangery was not possible, but an elegant connection with new minimalist side wings of the building was,” describes Labuz. The construction required a detective-like sense for detail and a very pragmatic approach. “With the help of locals who still remembered the original appearance of the building, Labuz created a framework idea of what the orangery originally looked like, and subsequently architecturally transferred this idea into the 21st century.”

Must a museum of romanticism be romantic?
“No!,” Labuz firmly states and argues as follows: “An architectural object must primarily correspond to the time of its origin.” Thanks to this, the items displayed in the museum are presented in a modern environment, and the main asset remains the beautiful surrounding landscape of the entire area. That is why the orangery's extension was connected with the surrounding vegetation, which constantly changes depending on the season.



Connecting a great epoch of architecture
The original neo-Gothic structure is complemented by two elongated and symmetrically added parts of the building that managed to visually merge into a unified whole. The fusion of the spirit of romanticism and modern architecture appears natural and obvious, as if the entire building had looked like this for ages. Particularly interesting is the subtle interrupted construction combined with transparent filling, which was achievable only thanks to the products of PREFA Aluminiumprodukte – Prefalz and Falzonal.

Maximum result with minimal costs
Labuz did not have it easy when implementing his plans: “The biggest savings were dictated to us precisely with the elements that should have the main influence on transparency and lightness.” The architect was determined to use the green color to achieve a natural copper patina. “The only company that had the perfect shade with optimal costs in its product range was PREFA.” PREFA products thus became the only material suitable for both the historical and modern parts of the complex. Thanks to the used coating, the Prefalz coil sheet could be used as a modern element as well as a replacement for the original roofing material of the old structure.

A piece of history for the future
The park and orangery thus once again form a perfect harmonious whole. However, they can offer their owners and visitors even more! The park and orangery provide an opportunity to identify with the place and confidently present Polish cultural heritage even in modern times. The orangery, a place once reserved only for a few chosen ones, can now be seen by all visitors of the castle. It is a place where every visitor can become acquainted with cultural and historical traditions and enjoy both of these aspects.

Architect's recommendation
“Aluminum in this form is the only material that naturally matches the colors of the surrounding nature,” says Labuz. “That is why the color of PREFA panels was extended to the entire object, including the steel elements. PREFA is a manufacturer that provides perfect systemic solutions for complex constructions.” And the processor DEK MAR adds: “Prefalz can be shaped more easily based on its pliability than most comparable panel materials. It thus offers a large number of creative possibilities for use in roofs and facades and also enables the realization of very extravagant intentions.” Janusz Labuz and the team of architects from Plockie Prakownie Projektowe.