Nowe Żerniki Spiral of Time

2013-2015
An innovative residential complex located at Berga and Brzozy Streets in the Nowe Żerniki district of Wroclaw. The design by SRDK STUDIO is a contemporary interpretation of the urban block, enriched with unique ecological and social solutions.
Site Area
0,4 ha
Gross Floor Area
6959 m²
Net Saleable Area
4179 m²
Number of residential and commercial units
69
Number of storeys above ground
IV
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Nowe Żerniki – Spirala Czasu, building view
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Spirala Czasu (The Time Spiral) was developed as part of a model collaboration between the city and private investors within the Nowe Żerniki district. It’s the first urban project in Poland implemented according to Western standards of integrated cooperation between local government, architects and developers.
The project stands out for its sustainable approach to residential design, where functionality meets ecology and social values.
The orthogonal urban layout proposed by SRDK STUDIO became the foundation for the final version of the spatial development plan for the entire district.
The orientation of the buildings in line with the cardinal directions ensures optimal daylight for all blocks and apartments. The concept of a closed urban block with a semi-private courtyard combines the advantages of traditional development with modern technological solutions, creating a space that responds to the challenges of contemporary living.
PROJECT FEATURES
Spirala Czasu represents a contemporary urban block that uniquely combines traditional urban structure with modern technologies. The designers created high-quality, diverse residential spaces, with a strong focus on ecological solutions and the strengthening of social bonds.
Sustainable development and ecology
The project, completed in 2013, incorporates vertical and rooftop photovoltaic panels, energy-recovering elevators, green roofs and community gardens. A nationwide unique agreement between the housing community and the energy provider enables residents to sell surplus generated energy back to the grid, resulting in measurable savings and environmentally responsible building operation.
Community and shared spaces
The central element of the complex is a publicly accessible internal patio with an intimate garden and a community vegetable plot. This semi-private space supports resident integration, offering a place for meetings and shared activities. Careful spatial zoning ensures privacy while strengthening a sense of belonging and encouraging neighborly relations.
Architecture of differentiated façades
The building’s contrasting façades are adapted to cardinal directions. The southern one is light, open, and perforated, equipped with photovoltaic panels and movable sun-shading screens that regulate light and heat gain. The northern façade has a more compact and solid character, articulated by a glazed incision, emphasizing the deliberate duality of the architecture that combines functionality with aesthetics.
Apartment diversity
Spirala Czasu offers a wide range of apartment types, from units with independent entrances, through apartments with private gardens, to penthouses with terraces. This diversity responds to the needs of different user groups and supports the creation of a socially diverse community. Flexible spatial solutions allow the apartments to be adapted to changing needs, enabling the investor to tailor marketing messages to different target groups.
Buffer zone and connections
A multifunctional zone along the eastern boundary of the plot forms a carefully designed buffer between semi-private and public space. A pedestrian-friendly circulation system and the absence of fences between developments create smooth transitions between neighboring blocks. This approach aligns with the vision of the district as an open environment that encourages social interaction, without barriers typical of contemporary gated developments.
Hybrid structure
Spirala Czasu combines diverse architectural solutions, including stair-and-corridor layouts, glazed galleries and elements typical of single-family housing. This hybrid structure allows for efficient use of space while maintaining privacy and comfort for residents. The innovative configuration ensures optimal daylight and natural ventilation for all residential units.

Nowe Żerniki, aerial view of the courtyard
GALLERY

Low-level view


Nowe Żerniki – Spirala Czasu residential development, exterior view against open sky






INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Spirala Czasu represents a holistic approach to residential design, where the traditional structure of the urban block meets modern technologies and social solutions. The SRDK STUDIO team combined expertise in urban planning, architecture, and energy-efficient technologies to create a design that addresses contemporary housing challenges.
The complex incorporates a range of pioneering ecological solutions, including photovoltaic panels installed both on the roof and vertically on the southern façade. Movable sun-shading panels allow residents to regulate solar exposure. The building is also equipped with energy-recovering elevators, green roofs, and community gardens, which improve thermal insulation and enhance urban biodiversity.
The agreement between the housing community and the energy utility company that enables the sale of generated power back to the grid is definitely a unique achievement.
This first-of-its-kind solution in Poland transforms the building into both an energy consumer and producer, delivering tangible economic benefits to residents.
The internal patio with a garden and community vegetable plot creates a space that supports neighborly interaction and a strong sense of community. The diversity of apartment types, from compact units to spacious apartments, responds to the needs of different user groups and fosters social diversity.
Architecturally, Spirala Czasu combines various structural approaches, including stair-and-corridor systems, glazed galleries and elements characteristic of single-family housing. Such hybrid construction allows for efficient use of space while preserving privacy and comfort.

AWARDS AND PRESS COVERAGE
Awards

Lower Silesian Building of the Year 2017–2018, category: “Residential Architecture”

Lower Silesian Building of the Year 2018, winner in the “Multi-Family Residential Building” category,

Lower Silesian Building of the Year 2017–2018, winner in the “Multi-Family Residential Building” category,

Ecological Solutions Award 2017
Articles
MURATOR - Architektura
Nowe Żerniki – A model housing development in Wrocław
Go to articleMURATOR - Architektura
A new Approach: Łukasz Pancewicz on the Nowe Żerniki Development
Go to articleGazeta Wrocławska
"Nowe Żerniki – Archicom Shapes a Model Residential Neighbourhood in Wrocław"
Go to articlewww.wroclaw.pl
"'Spirala Czasu' – A pioneering development at Nowe Żerniki"
Go to article
Investor

Archicom is one of Poland's leading residential property developers, with over 35 years of experience and an established presence in Wrocław. The company is part of Echo Investment Group, ensuring financial stability and access to the expertise of the country's foremost urban developer.
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