Gliwice, Poland
Gambit, a pipe trading company, commissioned the design of a combined office building and warehouse intended to serve as a distinctive yet economical showcase of its operations.
The brief called for a solution that balanced strong visual identity with strict cost efficiency.
In response, the design concept draws directly from the company’s core business—pipes—leveraging both their symbolic and practical value.
Gambit Office by Robert Konieczny KWK Promes, won an 2025 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
The project was conceived as a unified, monolithic structure that merges office and industrial functions into a cohesive whole.
Its architectural expression deliberately evokes the image of a pipe warehouse, making the building itself an immediate and legible representation of the company’s trade.
This approach not only reinforces brand identity but also aligns with the goal of material and economic efficiency.
The site, formerly occupied by a production hall, is situated within a predominantly residential context characterized by steep-roofed houses and adjoining linear outbuildings.
The building’s form responds to this setting through a dual strategy.
From the street, it presents a clear, assertive frontage, establishing a strong presence.
In contrast, when viewed from the residential side, its fragmented massing allows it to integrate more subtly into the surrounding fabric.
Material selection played a critical role in achieving both performance and cost objectives.
Although the initial intention was to incorporate the company’s pipes into the façade, this approach proved unfeasible due to concerns over UV-induced oxidation and non-compliance with fire safety standards.
Instead, raw aluminium sheeting was selected as a cost-effective and durable alternative.
The material’s capacity to develop a natural patina over time was considered an asset, contributing to the building’s evolving character. Functional considerations also informed detailing decisions, such as sealing exposed pipe elements to prevent wind-induced noise.
The absence of anti-bird netting was a deliberate choice, allowing the structure to accommodate natural habitation.
Internally, the building prioritizes daylight and occupant well-being.
Generous windows and skylights provide ample natural illumination, while office spaces are oriented to offer views of a landscaped garden or roof terrace.
Operable shutters ensure thermal comfort during warmer periods.
The result is a practical, expressive building that integrates industrial logic with thoughtful architectural resolution.
Project: Gambit Office
Architects: Robert Konieczny KWK Promes
Lead Architects: Robert Konieczny, Michał Lisiński
Design Team: Katarzyna Pająk, Karol Jackiewicz, Karol Knap, and Krzysztof Kobiela
Client: Gambit System
Photographers: Juliusz Sokołowski
