Forgotten, revitalized, sustainable. Pioneering revitalization of the Red Barracks in Gdańsk

For decades it stood in the city center and it was as if it were not there. The massive building of the Red Barracks on Łąkowa Street – one of the first things that everyone sees when entering Gdańsk – was falling into oblivion, although its brick walls still remember Prussian infantry battalions from the late 19th century. Today, it is a reference point for the entire industry, and the building itself has become an architectural showcase of Gdańsk. The ambitious project is supported not only by the developer’s determination, but above all by the unique partnership between Moderna Holding and Urban Partners. Financing for the investment came from the NSF V fund, managed by Urban Partners, which created a serviced living concept in the revitalized building under the name Noli Gdansk Old Town.

The partnership that built the standard

The investor’s requirements went far beyond what the market typically expects from the revitalization of historic buildings.

– From the beginning of our cooperation with Moderna, we wanted Noli Gdansk Old Town to be a project that really responds to contemporary challenges related to sustainable development and quality of life in the city. We set high requirements in terms of energy efficiency, quality of materials used, reducing the environmental footprint and comfort of everyday use of the building – says Magdalena Terefenko, vice president of Urban Partners Poland.

The complexity of the project also resulted from the need to reconcile the investor’s requirements and modern construction technologies with the historical fabric of the facility, which required precise design and implementation solutions. All works were carried out under the strict supervision of a monument conservator.

– Using available building and construction technologies, we were able to meet not only the strict requirements of the conservator, but also ensure the reduction of operational emissions and the built-in carbon footprint and adapt the building to maximum energy efficiency, thanks to, for example, a geothermal drilling system. This will allow for significant savings, but above all, it will help effectively eliminate excessive CO2 emissions, explains the technical director of Moderna Holding, Norbert Cendrowski.

An engineering masterpiece under a historic façade

More than 13 kilometers of geothermal wells were drilled under the buildings. This is one of the most advanced installations of this type in the country, integrated with heat pumps and the municipal heating network. It is complemented by photovoltaics on the roofs with a total capacity of 49 kWp and ventilation with heat recovery at the level of 85%. For the sake of the environment, materials with a minimal carbon footprint were used, confirmed by EPD environmental declarations. Transport, deliveries, waste disposal and many other elements have also been optimized, reducing both operational and built-in carbon footprint emissions.

ESG as a commitment

The apartments in the historic building have been designed with attention to thermal and acoustic comfort, maximizing access to natural light and ensuring the quality of internal air. – We do not treat ESG only as a set of technical parameters, but as an element that directly influences the experience of residents – from air quality and access to daylight, to functional common spaces supporting well-being and community building. We believe that the future of modern serviced living is based on creating environmentally responsible places – adds Magdalena Terefenko. Today, nearly 400 fully equipped studio apartments operate under the Noli Studios brand – a Scandinavian serviced living concept that meets the needs of modern professionals and people leading a mobile lifestyle. Noli Gdansk Old Town combines the flexibility of your stay with the comfort of your own space and a rich package of common areas: gym, sauna, kitchen, laundry and coworking.

A quarter that regained meaning

There is one more important aspect in this history – the city-forming process that took place with the revitalization of the red barracks. This building completed the urban development of a broader complex – the Scala housing estate built by Moderna in 2020-2024. The architecture of the entire quarter consciously refers to the Gdańsk tradition of brick buildings, creating a coherent composition with the historic building. The effect is visible not only in architecture. The complex moved the boundaries of urban activity towards the Lower Town, stimulated the development of local services and gastronomy, and attracted new residents and tourists.