The custom sales counter is stainless steel finished with an ultramarine linoleum.
The custom sales counter is stainless steel finished with an ultramarine linoleum.

September 14, 2022

Words: Jesse Dorris

Photography: goppion

Pigalopus Goes Modernist for an Ice Cream Shop in Warsaw

Sprzeczna 4, a modern building in Warsaw’s Praga district, is not only home to the second location of the beloved ice cream shop Jednorożec—it’s also the muse for its design. Its 600 square feet brightens up the ground floor, enticing not only residents but fans of the adventurous, seasonally-based frozen treats.

“The building inspired us to design a unique mosaic wall, referring to the Modernist decoration popular in the communist time of the 1960s-80s in Poland,” says Malwina Borowiec of Warsaw’s Pigalopus firm, which headed up the project design. The large-format creation comprises multicolored rocks that take on biomorphic shapes, which are repeated throughout the shop with mirrors and even films on the windows. 

A monumental sales counter anchors the space; nearby, the owner asked Pigalopus to construct an ample laboratory—the perfect place to whip up new flavors and ideas for future locations.  

The mosaic features abstracted fruit shapes.
The mosaic features abstracted fruit shapes.
Biomorphic mirrors scoop out the corners of interior walls.
Biomorphic mirrors scoop out the corners of interior walls.
Multicolored pebbles give depth to the mosaics.
Multicolored pebbles give depth to the mosaics.
Gradient display cards form seasonal menus.
Gradient display cards form seasonal menus.
Built-in plywood banquettes line the walls.
Built-in plywood banquettes line the walls.
Another blob-shaped mirror hangs over the bathroom sink.
A biomorphic mirror hangs over the bathroom sink.
The amorphous shapes appear as films on the windows as well, filtering the natural light.
The amorphous shapes appear as films on the windows as well, filtering the natural light.
The custom sales counter is stainless steel finished with an ultramarine linoleum.
The custom sales counter is stainless steel finished with an ultramarine linoleum.

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