Narusa Leśna przystań is an example of an investment standing in harmony with Nature. A forgotten and abandoned communist-era resort in one of the poorest parts of Poland has been given new life and breathed hope into the hearts of locals who see a better tomorrow in this investment. The old buildings, mostly suitable for demolition, were rebuilt and supplemented with wooden cottages in the woods in such a way that no tree was cut down.
Local
Poland
{Empty}
Mainly rural
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
2022-08-18
As a representative of an organization, in partnership with other organisations
Name of the organisation(s): Bartosz Dendura Architectural Pracitice Studio4SPACE Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Bartosz Last name of representative: Dendura Gender: Male Nationality: Poland Function: Architect - owner Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Malawskiego 62 Town: Krakow Postal code: 31-471 Country: Poland Direct Tel:+48 694 423 565 E-mail:architekci@studio4space.com Website:http://www.studio4space.com/
Name of the organisation(s): ECO-MASURIA INVEST SP. Z O.O. Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Wojciech Last name of representative: Matuszny Gender: Male Nationality: Poland Function: Chairman of the Board Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: ELBLĄSKA 42 Town: Frombork Postal code: 14-530 Country: Poland Direct Tel:+48 603 031 474 E-mail:recepcja@narusa.pl Website:https://www.narusa.pl/
Narusa Leśna Przystań is an example of cooperation between architects who are aware of climate change and the responsibility that their work carries, and investors who see the pro-ecological investment as a model to follow. A multifunctional resort complex located amidst a picturesque landscape, located in Frombork, in the immediate vicinity of the Vistula Spit. The complex includes a modernized aparthotel building (a former holiday/harcer's house from the communist era), 17 bungalows, a spa area with Jacuzzi and saunas, a regional restaurant and a conference room for 100 people. In addition, there are a number of ancillary features on the grounds that expand the site's offerings.
Narusa Forest Marina is an intriguing combination of sea and forest while referring to the location of the complex - the river and the village of Narusa. First of all, it suggests the nature of the place: a safe space, full of peace and quiet. At the same time, it points to the forest, which is within reach - closer than anywhere else. The idea for this project emerged from discussions with representatives of the local community, whose overriding desire was to preserve a green region and thus implement the idea of sustainable tourism. In addition to the social aspect, in the design process the ecological aspect - geared to maximize the use of the existing natural context - was of equally high importance, and in fact it was where it all started. The designed features are drowned in greenery, they do not dominate and do not try to be the most important.
The project aims to show the world the potential of the Vistula Lagoon, to discover the richness of unspoiled Warmia, to enchant with the charm of local nature in every season, and the vision - to create a rich complex of self-sustaining investment in harmony with nature, changing the face of undiscovered Narusa.
ecology
sustainable architecture
local
social
innovative
The basis of the facility's operations is an ecological approach, based on taking pro-environmental measures and solutions both at the stage of implementation and operation of the investment. The building was constructed in a site that has a great investment potential, using the existing fabric of a former holiday home/scout house from the communist era. In the resulting investment, the amount of construction work was minimized, thanks to the use of the existing matter. The existing building was adapted to function as a hotel that meets today's requirements and regulations.
There are also small bungalows with a simple and minimalist form, with a gable roof, and a restaurant made of shipping containers. These facilities were built using timber frame construction and materials from local suppliers. The main advantage of the project is that the newly-built facilities are not permanently tied to the ground, further reducing the environmental interference. From the very beginning, the main design consideration was to leave the existing environment untouched. The consulting company involved from the planning stage of the project performed environmental and nature supervision of the project and was responsible for the pre-certification process of the hotel facility under construction. At the stage of planning and implementation, all necessary measures and actions were taken to preserve valuable natural elements located on the investment plot and in its immediate vicinity, and to protect valuable elements from accidental damage. Tree cutting was limited only to dead specimens posing a threat to human health, life and property, and to self-sown trees in places where they interfered with the planned development of the site.
The main idea of the investment is to promote the idea of slow life and a return to nature, while promoting a modern, innovative service. This means plenty of opportunities to actively spend time away from the urban noise and crowds of tourists. In addition, the investment is to show the world the potential of the Vistula Lagoon, discover the riches of unspoiled Warmia, enchant with the charm of local nature at any time of the year, while creating a rich complex of self-sufficient investments in harmony with nature, changing the face of undiscovered Narusa. The development has a positive impact on its users due to its environmental but also educational qualities. The short distance from the center of Frombork will make the investment area attractive to visitors not only for blissful recreation among the riches of flora and fauna. Tourists will be able to quickly reach the home of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Radziejowski Tower with Foucault's pendulum or the Bishop's Palace.
An additional advantage is the location of the investment, in the immediate vicinity of the Vistula Lagoon, in a forested setting, but with direct access to the center of Frombork. An investment of this scale, brings together both visitors and local residents and supports the development of this picturesque area.
The architecture of the resort complex refers to the traditional buildings of Warmia and Mazury, with a modern twist. The Hotel building has remained in an unchanged form, consistent with the existing tissue, the renovation of the facade has been carried out. The materials used for the construction intention come from local sources, and the investment itself brings together local entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to develop and continue working in the region.
A great advantage of this particular location is the Vistula Spit re-digging currently underway, which will result in a significant development of tourism in the region.
The project has a positive impact on equal opportunities and non-discrimination, as it is intended for all users regardless of gender, age, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or degree of disability. The leisure complex was built with the thought of universal and sustainable design. As a result, it is suitable for people of all ages (including both children and the elderly), but also for people with disabilities. The project is in line with Eco-Masuria Invest's mission to showcase the potential of the Vistula Lagoon and discover the riches of unspoiled Warmia, by creating a complex of self-sustainable investments in harmony with nature, changing the face of undiscovered Narusa. The project also pays attention to education and the various cultural needs of local residents. Due to the lack of such large open spaces in the aparthotel building, it was decided to construct an extension, which was entirely dedicated to a conference room, allowing for both lectures, meetings with experts and events. Forest trails, chat rooms, sports fields, hammocks and other facilities have been designed and built, which will make the time spent at Narus a completely unique experience.
The investment is based on investor capital, which gives it a national character, and increases the sense of identity and belonging to the place.
The project involves a conscious approach to issues related to the local community. Already at the planning stage of the investment, the construction and operation of the entire complex based on the services of local entrepreneurs, the employment of representatives of the local community, the use of materials and raw materials available in the region were considered a priority. In line with ESG and CSR principles, the company also undertakes other activities for the benefit of the local community - organizing educational events aimed at both children and young people and adults. So far, the organized events have focused on nature education and aimed at disseminating knowledge and interesting facts about the region's natural assets. Which strengthens the sense of identity with the region, but also increases its promotion on the national stage. Public nature education actions are planned as cyclical events at the complex. In the future, their scope will be expanded to include issues related to environmental protection, ecology and sustainable development.
As a company, Eco Masuria is engaged in further local projects to develop the area, and expand the tourist infrastructure. Work is currently underway on a 6.5-hectare forest plot related to a project for a publicly accessible forest park, which includes the preparation of a nature-education path, lookout rooms for observing or photographing animals, and educational field games dedicated to species that can be found in the surrounding forests. This is a project co-created and co-implemented by the Elblag Forest District and the City of Frombork, as well as Eco Masuria Invest, which acts as initiator, sponsor and main contractor of the task.
1. local level - involvement of the local community from the early stages of the project, through the use of local services, products, provision of new jobs for local residents, organization of cultural and educational events for local residents and tourists, implementation of a new recreational site that promotes active lifestyles and return to nature, which have a positive impact on the health of users, consultation with local residents and ensuring their active participation in the development of the project.
2. regional level - positive impact on the development of regional tourism, promotion of the Warmia region on the national stage, initiation of undertakings and active participation in the planning and implementation of tasks aimed at the development of tourist and recreational infrastructure in the form of: construction of nature-educational paths, concepts for new bicycle routes, and implementation of the assumptions of active land and water tourism in the vicinity of Frombork, in the Warmia region, around the Vistula Lagoon.
3. national level - gathering investor capital, uniting investors from all over the country in order to achieve benefits, promote the region, create place identity.
4. European level - the Narusa Leśna Przystań Complex is one of the few hotel facilities in Poland certified according to LEED certification at the GOLD level. In accordance with the idea of sustainable construction and LEED certification, the aparthotel facility and its surroundings and accompanying infrastructure have already been introduced at the stage of the design work of the architectural office solutions: zero waste, a number of solutions determining the energy efficiency of the building, responsible for the rational management of water and natural resources, recycled materials were used and many others. The project is applying for LEED pre-certification v4 BD+C: NC at the GOLD level.
The design and implementation process was based on the cooperation of specialists from many fields, complementing each other in terms of competence: architects with significant experience in ecological and sustainable construction, academics from the Faculty of Architecture at Politehnica Krakowska, financial analysts with many years of experience in multinational corporations, entrepreneurs from Poland and Europe, specialists in sustainable construction, environmentalists, co-investors, local residents who know the region inside out. At the stage of planning and implementation, all necessary measures and actions were taken to preserve valuable natural elements located on the investment plot and in its immediate vicinity, and to protect valuable elements from accidental destruction, using the knowledge of both designers and specialists in the construction industry, but also ecological specialists.
The investment is based on the cooperation of Investors from all over the country, forming investor capital, which made it possible to create a resort complex.
The resort complex has become an integral part of the region. It was built with minimal impact on the environment - the architectural design focused on minimal interference with both the greening of the area and the soils, by designing buildings that are not permanently tied to the ground. These assumptions result in further natural development of the ecosystem, without exposing it to degradation, while providing opportunities for humans to connect with the natural environment, provide recreation and positively impact health. The implementation puts life, rather than man, at the center, and allows unity with nature. It also has a positive impact on promoting sustainable lifestyles, in line with the principles of zero waste, etc.
The innovation of the project is already visible in the main assumptions of the architectural design and the objectives of the investment: among others, pro-ecological assumptions, using the existing matter instead of building new facilities, holistic thinking about the investment area as a multi-stage project, involving both architects, investors from all over the country, specialists in various fields, but also the local community, entrepreneurs and services. An additional advantage was the definition of the mission according to which the successive stages of the investment were created - to show the world the potential of the Vistula Lagoon, to discover the riches of unspoiled Warmia, to enchant with the charm of local nature in every season; and the vision - to create a rich complex of self-sufficient investments in harmony with nature, changing the face of undiscovered Narusa.
Also, the use of local materials, services and specialties has drastically reduced CO2 emissions.
The investment was built with sustainable construction and sustainable development in mind. The basis is an ecological approach to investment based on taking pro-environmental measures and solutions both at the stage of architectural design, implementation and operation of the investment.
From the early planning stage of the investment, the Studio4SPACE architectural studio cooperated with experts in environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable construction. As a result, the planned investment combines luxurious implementation with the principles of sustainable construction, ecological solutions and, very importantly, with the preservation and protection of local biodiversity and the unique natural and landscape values of the region in which it was undertaken.
Already at the planning stage of the investment, the construction and operation of the entire complex based on the services of local entrepreneurs, the employment of representatives of the local community, the use of materials and raw materials available in the region was considered a priority.
Elements that can be transferred and replicated in other projects are primarily the ideology and methodology of architectural design, based on the involvement of the local community, materials, raw materials, entrepreneurs. Respect for the existing place and recognition of its value, adaptation and revitalization of degraded spaces, in accordance with the needs of residents, but also the tourist market. Use of the potential of the place. Reconstruction of forgotten and degraded places, giving them new value and gathering Investors, willing to support the initiative. Designing in an ecological spirit, zero waste, using recycled materials. Pursuing certification (international in nature). Use of specialists - multi-disciplinary.
In addition, activities to draw Frombork into the national arena, increase its tourist value, promote the region, which will lead to further investments in the future.
The project responds to global challenges concerning primarily ecology and climate change. In accordance with the idea of sustainable construction and LEED certification, the hotel building and its surroundings and accompanying infrastructure introduced solutions: zero waste, a number of solutions determining the energy efficiency of the building, responsible for the rational management of water and natural resources, used recycled materials and many others. In addition, the design idea was based on human-based sollutions - design for man and with man, universal design, walking routes, tourist attractions, promotion of active lifestyles, for different age groups, having a direct impact and well-being of people using the complex.
In addition to this, attention was paid to education and cultural development of the region, through the organization of events (natural, ecological, sports) for different age groups and pioneering in ecological solutions.
