Decorative front elevation - the showpiece of 4 Wólczańska Street

Particularly noteworthy are the numerous ornaments decorating the façade, such as the under-window panels, decorated with floral motifs, as well as the decorative panels in the central zone of the façade. On the top storey, in the attic area, there is a cordon cornice, as well as a cornice crowning in stepped form.

The storeys of the building were rhythmised by strips of white veneer, a small ceramic tile that forms distinctive narrow rectangles on the façade. This part of the building retains the most detailing, including the decorative under-window panels, which are strips of rectangular-shaped ornaments that highlight the position of the windows on the façade. The motifs used are stylised acanthus leaves, picturesque curved sigmoidal moldings, geometrised ‘breakers’ of meanders, and strips of pavement cornice that crown this part of the façade.

Architectural elements with both a decorative and practical function deserve special attention when revitalising historic townhouses. In our investment, an exceptional example are the massive, cast-iron bumpers in the shape of dwarves – the gateway clearance guards. These original details, familiar from the urban space of Łódź, protect the edges of the walls from damage, formerly caused by horse-drawn carts and now by motor vehicles. The choice of material for the bumpers is not accidental. Cast iron, which is heavily carburised iron, is characterised by its high resistance to damage and ease of shaping. The technique became popular in Poland in the 19th century with the development of industrialisation, and cast-iron bumpers, posts and architectural elements became an integral part of the urban landscape. There are even casting seams preserved on some pieces, a trace of traditional production methods. Dwarves, which are the symbol of Łódź tenement houses, come in various variants, but the most popular are those with a shield. Our townhouse boasts a finer, compact model of this unique design, which has served not only a utilitarian but also a decorative function over the years. As part of the revaluation, the bumpers underwent a comprehensive restoration. This process included dismantling, careful cleaning and protecting the surface with specialised protective paint, which guarantees their durability for decades to come. Once the work was completed, the dwarves were returned to their place, ready to continue their function and to please the eyes of residents and visitors. A testament to history and craftsmanship, these unique details are an integral part of our townhouse’s heritage. We invite you to visit our development and admire the bumpers in their full glory – our steadfast guardians who never sleep!