1. Home
  2. /
  3. Interviews
  4. /
  5. New standards of luxury construction by SELVA Group and SAAN...

New standards of luxury construction by SELVA Group and SAAN Architekci

Written by:
Zosia Floeth
Photography:
SAAN Architekci

The Warsaw-based developer, SELVA Group, is redefining the standard of exclusive construction, offering projects deeply rooted in the context of harmony with the surrounding environment. The joint project with SAAN Architekci, the Magdalenka Collection, is proof that architecture can combine desired quality, modern technologies, and a unique approach to space. We spoke with Marek Gawroński and Karolina Stelmach from SELVA Group, and Iga Sawicka from SAAN Architekci about design philosophy, building trust in the real estate industry, and the future of premium construction.

The collaboration between SELVA Group and SAAN Architekci is a prime example of the integration of two well-understood and complementary visions. Your previous projects have allowed for the creation of a strong partnership, which undoubtedly contributes to the success of the new joint venture. Could you share the background of this collaboration and what prompted you to join forces for the Magdalenka Collection project?

Iga Sawicka, SAAN Architekci: I have known Marek Gawroński for twenty years, which in itself forms a solid foundation. I believe that mutual trust was the deciding factor in initiating this collaboration. From the very beginning, we shaped a vision based not only on aesthetics or functionality but also on a conscious effort to shape space and educate the public through architecture.

Marek Gawroński, SELVA Group: That’s right. From the start, I saw that our shared perspective would lead us to create unique projects. There were times when we had different views on certain solutions, but that only allowed us to develop even better concepts. Our goal was always to offer clients something special and distinct from the standard market offerings. In the development industry, it’s easy to take shortcuts, but for us, conscious design remains a priority.

I.S.: Exactly. From our perspective, the approach of SELVA Group to quality and material selection is essential. The projects are always designed with the context in mind. In the case of homes in the forest, architecture should harmonize with the surroundings, be an extension of the landscape, and material selection should reflect care for the natural qualities of the space. This approach requires a conscious investor who is willing to accept these non-standard, and often more costly, solutions.

M.G.: It’s worth adding that we operate in a segment where architecture and quality of execution are paramount. That’s why we prefer to talk about an approach that goes beyond standard market frameworks. Our collaboration with SAAN Architekci is based on creating spaces that not only meet the expectations of future residents but also significantly improve the quality of the urban environment.

I.S.: I believe that contemporary design should carry an educational element – showing that it is possible to build differently, in a more responsible and thoughtful way. That is what makes our collaboration so inspiring and effective.

M.G.: Ultimately, architecture should not only meet residential needs but also evoke emotions and experiences that last for years. This approach makes our projects stand out from the standard market offerings and is appreciated by discerning clients. When it comes to the premium segment, although I don’t particularly like that term...

Why not?

M.G.: I feel that it is overused. Everyone wants to be “premium,” but it often just means a slightly higher standard. We place ourselves well above that level. Many projects brand themselves as premium, but the quality of execution, materials, plot sizes, and levels of privacy do not match those standards. Our approach is to care about every detail and architectural coherence, which is why we see ourselves as pioneers in luxury real estate development.

Where did you draw inspiration for the Magdalenka Collection design?

I.S.: I believe in modernism – both in architecture and interiors. The form should be functional but also beautiful. We adhere to basic principles, such as the golden ratio, which helps us achieve the right proportions for the building. Key elements of the Magdalenka Collection include large windows that provide maximum access to natural light. This also gives residents the feeling of living in harmony with nature, almost as if being an independent part of it. When designing, we think about user comfort and how we ourselves would like to live. Being close to nature reduces cortisol levels – the stress hormone. In high-paced environments like Warsaw, we find peace in Magdalenka.

Karolina Stelmach, SELVA Group: Our homes are so thoughtfully designed that clients rarely want to make any changes – this is probably the best testament to the project. When creating guidelines for SAAN Architekci, we drew from our experience in the luxury housing segment. By analyzing the needs of clients we’ve worked with in the past, we took into account their most common expectations to create homes that are perfectly tailored to their lifestyles.

The unique character of Magdalenka is reflected in the individuality of each home. Will this concept be continued in future projects?

M.G.: Yes, we care about the uniqueness of each project – we don’t plan to build row houses. Currently, all of our projects are in one location, which requires careful planning. However, due to the growing number of projects, in the future, we will transfer the Magdalenka Collection concept to other plots in the area. Hence, the name of the investment – it is a collection of luxurious, architecturally coherent homes that continues to grow. Our goal is to maintain the prestigious vision of the entire area. We also plan to expand to other suburban locations that are popular among clients, such as Podkowa Leśna or Konstancin. SELVA focuses on delivering what the market doesn’t offer, filling a gap in the luxury real estate segment. Our collaboration with SAAN Architekci is evolving dynamically and is based on mutual understanding of quality and a unique approach to design. Regardless of price range, we prioritize solutions that are refined both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Even in smaller investments, such as our latest project Kajetany Line under the new brand Avles Development, intimacy and a personalized approach to the project remain a priority. These visions complement each other, allowing us to create architecture at the highest level.

Are you working on energy-efficient, ecological concepts? From the developer’s perspective, is this a passing trend or a concrete direction?

M.G.: New technologies and energy efficiency certainly play a key role in construction, but their application should be balanced. Excessive focus on energy savings can lead to situations where the environmental costs of producing certain solutions outweigh their actual benefits. Our homes are equipped with underfloor heating, heat recovery systems, heat pumps, and photovoltaic systems. However, we approach this pragmatically, avoiding treating energy efficiency as a marketing gimmick. Unlike many developers who promote solutions without fully analyzing their actual impact, we focus on conscious and thoughtful technologies.

Finally, we’d like to ask about your perspective on the key elements of success in the industry. From your extensive experience and projects like Magdalenka Collection, what factors contribute to the success of an investment?

K.S.: We operate in the luxury real estate segment, so we tailor our approach to the expectations of clients who value flexibility and comprehensive service in a concierge model. We offer the possibility to modify designs, adapt payment systems, and provide full turnkey finishing with oversight. Additionally, we assist in organizing financing and selling our clients’ previous properties. For us, it’s not only about high quality or refined marketing but, above all, about building trust.

M.G.: That’s true. Trust is incredibly important in our business. We were selling our first investments before the foundations were even laid, and today clients recommend us to their friends, entrusting SELVA Group with realizing their dream of the perfect home. That is probably our greatest distinction and proof that we not only create excellent spaces but also build lasting relationships based on professionalism, quality, and mutual respect.


By Naser Nader Ibrahim

Share on: