Pracownia Workshop

The Pracownia Workshop by ACOS (A Collection of Stories) is a striking renovation of a former mid-century industrial unit in Warsaw, Poland. Located in the Służew district, this 1970s building has been reimagined as a multifunctional studio that houses architecture, design, and production under one roof. The project not only pays tribute to the building’s utilitarian origins but transforms its spatial and material language into a narrative of creative evolution.

With a total area of 280 m² (3,014 ft²), the design embraces the raw qualities of the original structure while integrating contemporary interventions that support collaboration and craftsmanship. The existing concrete frame and brick walls were carefully preserved, providing an authentic industrial canvas for new insertions. ACOS approached the project with a respect for material honesty—retaining the texture of time through patina, exposed surfaces, and traces of previous use.

One of the key design strategies was the insertion of large-format glazing and steel partitions to allow natural light to flow freely between work areas. The studio is divided into distinct zones: the architecture office, the prototyping workshop, the photography studio, and a materials library. Despite their different functions, these areas remain visually connected and spatially coherent.

Natural materials such as oak, galvanized steel, and terrazzo tiles offer a tactility that balances the starkness of the industrial shell. Built-in furniture and custom joinery pieces were designed by the ACOS team to support everyday workflows while reflecting their design ethos. The interior color palette is soft and desaturated, reinforcing the minimalist, workshop-like ambiance.

In its essence, Pracownia is not just a workplace but a storytelling environment. Every material, joint, and surface speaks to ACOS’s dedication to craft, context, and cultural continuity. The transformation exemplifies how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into forgotten spaces, turning them into hubs of creativity and collaboration.