Architect’s Firm: PORT
Contact e-mail: biuro@portinfo.pl
Project Location: Dobrzeń Wielki, Poland
Completion Year: 2019
Project Year: 2017/18
Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 1817,3m2

Lead Architects: Józef Franczok, Marcin Kolanus, Magdalena Targosz, Artur Nitribitt
Other participants (eg. collaborators, clients, consultants, etc):
Collaborators: Justyna Brzezińska, Anna Otlik
Investor: Polish Province of the Sister of the Third Order of St.Francis
Structure: Robert Miśkowiec, Piotr Warzecha
Executive company: BIL Sp. z o.o, Czora Sp. z o.o, PPUH AKO Andrzej Kasieczka, Rurbet Sp.z o.o
Photo credits: Stanisław Zajączkowski

This is a close look at the main driveway with a gray and beige pattern that pairs well with the beige exteriors of the monastery.

This view of the side of the monastery showcases the landscaping of walkways and miniature gardens that pair well with the netral beige exteriors of the monastery.

This is another look at the gray and beige driveway leading up to the main entrance adorned with grass lawns and tall trees in the background.

This is a look at the interior atrium of the monastery with indoor balconies that has glass railings.

This is a close look at the chapel of the monastery with plain beige walls, tall ceiling and beige flooring tiles.

This is a closer look at the far wall of the chapel that has a crucifix mounted on the wall. You can also see here the skylights on the side that bring in natural light.

This is a look at the top indoor balcony with its glass railings and beige walkway.

This is a view of the tall ceiling of the atrium with multiple indoor balconies on the different levels above.

This is a close look at one of the brilliant white walls of the monastery interiors with a modern style complemented by the wall-mounted crucifix.

This is a look down onto the lobby and atrium of the monastery from the vantage of the top indoor balcony.

This is another look at the top indoor balcony looking over the lobby with glass railings and skylights on the side.

This is another look at the chapel with white walls and beige flooring tiles complemented by the furniture and the wall-mounted crucifix.

This is a closer look at the exterior wall of the monastery with a crucifix symbol on it.

This is a look at the concrete ceiling of the walkway that has fluorescent lights and a a large skylight.

This is a close look at the tall white wall of the lobby atrium that has a large crucifix symbol.

This is the edge of the indoor balcony with a set of chairs on the side by the glass door.

This is a look at the elevator shaft with glass walls from the vantage of the lobby.

This is another close look at the crucifix symbol at the tall white wall of the lobby.

This is a closer look at the two levels of indoor balconies from the vantage of the ground floor lobby.

This is a close look at the hallway of the monastery with wooden doors, white walls and wooden handles mounted on the walls after the glass door.

This is a close look at the large dining room with multiple large table and chairs to accommodate a large number.

This is a close look at the hallway, just outside the glass wall of the dining room with an elevator access on the side.

This is the hallway just outside the glass wall of the infirmary with an abundance of natural lighting coming in from above.

This is a look at the open ceiling of the middle courtyard with a tree and walls of concrete.

This is the staircase with beige steps and thin wrought-iron railings.

This is the chapel across from the altar with multiple wooden pews and even an upper loft for additional space.

This is a look at the ceiling of the top hallway with a skylight and a glass window. There are also rows of pendant lights to brighten the white walls.

This is a close look at the tall glass wall and white wall with crucifix of the lobby atrium.

This is a nighttime view of the monastery exterior showcasing the warm lighting from the windows and the crucifix symbol.

This is a look at the monastery from the driveway with its bright exterior walls with a modern aesthetic.

The windows of the monastery glow warmly with yellow light coming from the interior lights.

The crucifix symbolism of the exterior wall stand out against the large wall.

This is a closer look at the modern-style and minimalist symbols on the bright walls of the monastery.

Project reflects the belief, that architecture while responding to all pragmatic needs affects our mental well-being and spirituality. Well-balanced space might benefits to introspection, contemplation and strengthens spiritual and emotional life.

Despite the prosperity, many people struggle nowadays with the lack of time, fatigue, overwhelmment and the complexity of the modern world. Lack of relationships, visual noise and constant rush, distract our attention from what is really important.

More and more often, in order to find meaning and our own way, we deliberately decide to simplify our lives. We often seek for asylum in the mountains or the seas, to find calm and peace.

Following the famous “less is more” sentence by Mies van der Rohe, this movement can be largely supported and enhanced by the space which surrounds us. It provides a background, peaceful frame to contemplate nature and light.

Less elements and colours allow one to focus. One can concentrate on his own thoughts, prayer, contemplation, and contemplate surrounding landscape or changing seasons. Architecture sets a background for light, which in Christianity symbolizes life, God and goodness.

The building is filled with light. It is an instrument, where light plays its symphony, following space according to the seasons and the cycle of the day. The cross casts a wandering light into the entrance lobby. While the chapel’s window and the skylights are constantly changing room’s ambience.

Natural materials used in the project, such as stone, stainless steel, glass, wood, white plaster and concrete, all offers a specific texture and absorbs light differently. They can be seen as everlasting, as while aging, they gain nobility.