Siercza Petrol Station, Siercza, Poland

Polish petrol station that defies its traditional type
This petrol station building is the architects' protest against the quality and the ugliness of typical architecture of such a kind in Poland.

The building is located in Siercza, near Cracow, and although the building was designed as a part of petrol station, this was not the only function planned by the owner. Apart from its designed functions, the building belongs to the centre of the village as it is located near a church, kindergarden, stud farm and green area, incorporating the service building of the petrol station, a local shop and a coffee bar.

The rhombus shape of the building was the consequence of the location. The building was designed to fit the corner of the local street as it is located in the bend of the street which lead to the existing shelter covering the fuel pumps.

The landscape and surrounding area play very a important role in the whole design vision. Open space around the building, beautiful view of mountains and horse run of the neighbouring stud are another advantages of the location. What’s important is that the building itself does not block the view but rather creates the relation between the short and long distance view around it. All parts and materials - walls, glass and terraces - make up different frames to look through from inside and outside of the building.

The solid reinforced concrete foundation of the building forms the terrace and the floor and it is forms visual continuation of the big concrete square in front of the building. The outside walls were built in a way which enabled the architects to create a shelter, emphasise the entrance area and the upper terrace. Thanks to highlighted arcades, made of polycarbonate that let the light through them, the building is visible as a strong accent in the neighbourhoods at night.

Local stone was delibarately used to project the buttress in order to emphasise the relation of the building with the its contextual area. Rural character and warmth was added to the interior by the covering the walls with Birchwood plywood.
source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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