Teatr im. Stefana Żeromskiego, Kielce, Poland
A Theatre Between History and the Present
For decades, the Stefan Żeromski Theatre had lost none of its cultural significance – yet much of its architectural radiance had faded. The aim of the comprehensive renovation was therefore to preserve the historic substance of the building, continue its long-standing tradition, and at the same time create a contemporary framework for theatre in the 21st century.
The project is conceived as a deliberate encounter between history and the present. Rather than seeking rupture, the architecture pursues dialogue: existing structures remain legible, while new elements assert themselves confidently, expanding the building both functionally and architecturally. The project was designed by the architectural practice WXCA.
Architecture That Makes a Statement
This dialogue is particularly evident in the façade. The forms, proportions, and compositions of the newly designed elements reference the historical context, while materiality, reduction, and fabrication techniques are clearly rooted in the present. Tall glazed openings, restrained profiles, and coloured precast concrete elements integrate harmoniously into the existing façade while clearly distinguishing themselves through scale and expression.
The design challenge inherent in this approach is impressively reflected in the development of nearly 200 façade variants, through which the interaction between old and new was explored and refined.
The connection to the local context extends beyond outward appearance. The use of regional materials and a consistent focus on future users shape the overall architectural concept, once again establishing the theatre as an open cultural venue for the city and the wider region.
Structure as an Expression of Identity
The distinctive façade design was realised using a project-specific formliner, enabling the precise transfer of the designed texture into the concrete. Coloured glass fibre reinforced concrete precast elements were used, combining a high level of design precision with structural efficiency.
The PUR Elastomer A60 from RECKLI, used to manufacture the formliner, ensured exact reproduction of details and consistently high surface quality across all elements – even with varying geometries and repeated production cycles.
Precision in Concrete
The precast concrete elements were manufactured by Betard. Using several individually developed formliners, high-quality façade elements with a total surface area of several hundred square metres were produced. Their precise execution reinforces the architectural concept and makes the façade a defining feature of the entire building.
