Preserving Heritage with Modern Architecture

Katowice, a dynamic city in southern Poland, is renowned for its rich industrial heritage and modern urban landscape. As the cultural and economic heart of the Upper Silesian region, the city continues to evolve with innovative architectural projects that blend tradition and modernity.
One such ambitious project is currently underway at the Millenium Estate, a post-war architectural gem often referred to as the "pearl of late-modernist urban planning." Designed by renowned architects Henryk Buszko and Aleksander Franta, the estate features iconic residential towers with distinctive oval balconies, affectionately nicknamed “Kukurydze” by locals, which simply and fittingly translates to "Corn".

At the heart of this historic estate, Henniger Investment S.A. is developing the "Live in the City – in the Millennium” housing estate, comprising four multi-family residential buildings. The project, led by the esteemed Silesian architecture firm Medusa Group, pays homage to the architectural legacy of the original "Corn" towers. While the new structures adopt more compact, rectangular forms, their graphite facades, contrasting light balustrades, and curved corners subtly echo the design of their iconic predecessors.

Efficient Construction with Silka Tempo: Speed and Sustainability Combined

Xella Poland has played a pivotal role in the rapid and efficient construction of these residential skyscrapers. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, the company supplied large-format Silka Tempo 18 cm blocks, known for their impressive acoustic insulation despite their slender form. These blocks are installed using special mini-cranes, significantly accelerating the construction process. Mateusz Gmitrzuk, Key Account Manager at Xella Polska, who accompanied the project as part of Xella’s Construction Services team, highlighted the challenges and successes of the process: "This project was very demanding: small ceiling areas, extensive reinforced concrete work, and the need for high construction speed. Silka Tempo passed the test – our CSU walls were built faster than reinforced concrete walls with less human labor and reduced load on the tower crane. The finished walls provide excellent acoustic insulation and load-bearing capacity."

The construction process was further streamlined through Xella Poland’s comprehensive Construction Services, which included the provision of materials and labor through their subcontractor, Enbud Sp. z o.o., as the general contractor for the shell state. Xella’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) design department also prepared essential structural designs and assembly plans, ensuring seamless project execution.
The respect shown by Henniger Investment for the estate’s architectural heritage has been widely praised. The new residential blocks by Medusa Group are seen as a fitting continuation and tribute to the original vision of Buszko and Franta, whose work was not fully realized during their lifetimes.

Ongoing Collaboration

This collaboration is not Xella Poland’s first engagement with Henninger Investment. The BIM team has also prepared assembly plans for another residential development—Ogrody Glogera in Kraków—further cementing the company’s role as a leader in modern construction solutions.
By blending advanced technology with a deep respect for historical architecture, Xella Polska continues to contribute to the dynamic evolution of Katowice, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and design excellence in the construction industry.