A striking example of the effective integration of Polbruk products into projects is the Black&White and Rainbow housing estates in Kraków, which have received a number of architectural awards. Both projects and their accompanying paving were designed by a team of architects from the Kita Koral Architekci studio. The success of Polish designers prompts us to consider what factors primarily guide architects when selecting suitable paving materials?
- When selecting the right materials, we are guided primarily by the individual requirements of a given project, as well as visual, practical and economic considerations. It is important that the products fully meet the expectations of the project designers in terms of both aesthetics and technical aspects; however, the value for money is equally important,” says Piotr Kita from the Kita Koral Architekci studio.
Landscaping elements, such as pavers and street furniture, must fit perfectly with the design brief and form an integral part of the concept, harmonising with it in terms of colour and shape. Technical parameters are also crucial, as they indicate how resistant the materials are to heavy loads and the build-up of dirt. The durability of materials is of particular importance when designing surfaces around large facilities, such as stadiums, cultural centres or hotels. In such cases, resistance to heavy loads must go hand in hand with a very robust construction.
Do designers have their favourites in the world of paving materials? The answer is yes. For example, designers from the Kita Koral Architekci studio are increasingly opting for the Styl collection, and in particular the ‘Polbruk’ model Complex with a washed surface. “The geometric shapes, subdued colour scheme and practical qualities of this paver meant it fitted perfectly into two of our projects – the Black&White Estate and the Rainbow Estate in Kraków,” says Tomasz Koral from the Kita Koral Architekci studio.
Which products are likely to become the new hit among paving designers? According to Piotr Kita, the concrete slabs Polbruk Urbanika 60 will undoubtedly be in high demand. The team at Kita Koral Architekci also plans to incorporate products from Polbruk into new projects. It is the Polbruk Urbanika 30 elements, in grey and graphite shades, that will form an integral part of the next project in Kraków, Lea 251. The Polbruk pavers will complement the surroundings of this complex of modern, high-end apartments.
