Firmus News 2015 (1) English version

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The company anniversary Pending tender for the biggest investment in the history of Mielno A breath of spring in menu 2015 (1) www.firmusgroup.pl news There will not be a modern Mielno without Koszalin Stein Christian Knutsen - the founder of the Firmus Group, is a Norwegian who chose to live and work in Mielno at the age of 33. If it was not for him, the Company would not exist. There would not also be any effects of the company operation and Mielno would not start to change its image. Mr Knutsen’s vision depicts Mielno as one of the summer resorts found in Riviera or California. Since Mielno does not exist without Koszalin, and Koszalin does not exist without Mielno - the Firmus Group has developed plans concerning the land near the Jamno Lake in Koszalin. It is now, in the year of the 15th anniversary of the Firmus Group, that these plans are being implemented. - What were the key mo- ments in the 15-year his- tory of the Firmus Group? - No doubt, the most im- portant moment was the one when the vision ap- peared. It was in May 2000, when I was sitting on the Meduza restaurant terrace. It was then that I imagined this region in the future. I had already strolled in the old, abandoned military ar- eas near the Jamno Channel where we would build Beach City someday. Despite see- ing ugly concrete ‘construc- tions’, barbed wire, oil tanks and general mess, I also saw great potential in that place. I thought that place could become the best tourist lo- cation in Europe. Time puts our plans to the test, but I still believe in my vision. - What has been the big- gest achievement of the Firmus Group so far? - Provision of what we have promised, not com- promising anything. Even though some people doomed our activities to failure, we were still fight- ing, against all odds to im- plement our plan. And we executed a project after a project. We resisted the temptation of “easy solu- tions” and we did not fol- low advice from influential people. Acting ethically, I managed to keep my per- sonal independence. This is actually my propeller, my driving force for the future. However, I must also admit it that my attitude caused some delays in our project execution. The process was both more painful and more expensive. - What are the next mile- stones for the company? - Our strategy is a long-term one. All the money earned on one investment is invested in the next project. Such a strat- egy allows us to increase the number of investments every year. In the past, we used to execute one, two projects a year. This year, we are plan- ning to start three: two in Mielno and one in a 100-hec- tare investment area in Ko- szalin. This is the nearest and very significant milestone. It is also symbolic, in a sense. - What struck you the most in Poles when you moved to Poland? - Scepticism, negative at- titude, short-term thinking. The opinion that there must be something wrong with you if you are optimistic. I know that the way Poles think and perceive the world is strongly connected with bad historical experiences. However, time heals all the wounds and helps you to change your attitude. In or- der to develop and succeed in anything, one needs to stay positive. This positive attitude as well as new ideas need to be cherished and properly implemented. I strongly believe Poland will achieve great success. - You speak as if you were a Polish patriot. - I am the best ambassador Poland has ever had. I have been promoting Poland, its people, culture and values for many years now. On a few occasions, I even argued about Poland with Poles liv- ing abroad. I was the one who remained optimistic and positive; the Poles were rather negative! I can barely understand it. I decided to leave Norway 20 years ago and to settle in Mielno 15 years ago. I just find Poland and other European coun- tries more interesting than Norway. However, despite the fact I am quite critical about my home country, I will always love it. In general, people get what they de- serve. Since turnout in Polish elections is so low, nobody should complain about any- thing. If you do not vote, you have no right to criticise. - Will the Firmus Group celebrate its 15th anniver- sary in a special way? - Well, we will celebrate it with hard work. We will em- ploy 50 new employees. We will start to execute three or four new projects whose value will amount to 120 million zloty. I think we will continue to implement our long-term strategy which aims to make both Mielno and Koszalin tourist centres not only of the Baltic region but also the whole Northern Europe. Stein Christian Knutsen, CEO of FIRMuS GROuP

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Transcript of Firmus News 2015 (1) English version

Page 1: Firmus News 2015 (1) English version

The company anniversary

Pending tender for the biggest investment in the history of Mielno

A breath of spring in menu

2015 (1)

www.firmusgroup.pl

news

There will not be a modern Mielno without KoszalinStein Christian Knutsen - the founder of the Firmus Group, is a Norwegian who chose to live and work in Mielno at the age of 33. If it was not for him, the Company would not exist. There would not also be any effects of the company operation and Mielno would not start to change its image. Mr Knutsen’s vision depicts Mielno as one of the summer resorts found in Riviera or California. Since Mielno does not exist without Koszalin, and Koszalin does not exist without Mielno - the Firmus Group has developed plans concerning the land near the Jamno Lake in Koszalin. It is now, in the year of the 15th anniversary of the Firmus Group, that these plans are being implemented.

- What were the key mo-ments in the 15-year his-tory of the Firmus Group?

- No doubt, the most im-portant moment was the one when the vision ap-peared. It was in May 2000, when I was sitting on the Meduza restaurant terrace. It was then that I imagined this region in the future. I had already strolled in the old, abandoned military ar-eas near the Jamno Channel where we would build Beach City someday. Despite see-ing ugly concrete ‘construc-tions’, barbed wire, oil tanks and general mess, I also saw great potential in that place. I thought that place could become the best tourist lo-cation in Europe. Time puts our plans to the test, but I still believe in my vision.

- What has been the big-gest achievement of the Firmus Group so far?

- Provision of what we have promised, not com-promising anything. Even though some people doomed our activities to failure, we were still fight-ing, against all odds to im-plement our plan. And we executed a project after a project. We resisted the temptation of “easy solu-tions” and we did not fol-low advice from influential

people. Acting ethically, I managed to keep my per-sonal independence. This is actually my propeller, my driving force for the future. However, I must also admit it that my attitude caused some delays in our project execution. The process was both more painful and more expensive.

- What are the next mile-stones for the company?

- Our strategy is a long-term

one. All the money earned on one investment is invested in the next project. Such a strat-egy allows us to increase the number of investments every year. In the past, we used to execute one, two projects a year. This year, we are plan-ning to start three: two in Mielno and one in a 100-hec-tare investment area in Ko-szalin. This is the nearest and very significant milestone. It is also symbolic, in a sense.

- What struck you the most in Poles when you moved to Poland?

- Scepticism, negative at-titude, short-term thinking. The opinion that there must be something wrong with you if you are optimistic. I know that the way Poles think and perceive the world is strongly connected with bad historical experiences. However, time heals all the wounds and helps you to

change your attitude. In or-der to develop and succeed in anything, one needs to stay positive. This positive attitude as well as new ideas need to be cherished and properly implemented. I strongly believe Poland will achieve great success.

- You speak as if you were a Polish patriot.

- I am the best ambassador Poland has ever had. I have been promoting Poland, its

people, culture and values for many years now. On a few occasions, I even argued about Poland with Poles liv-ing abroad. I was the one who remained optimistic and positive; the Poles were rather negative! I can barely understand it. I decided to leave Norway 20 years ago and to settle in Mielno 15 years ago. I just find Poland and other European coun-tries more interesting than Norway. However, despite the fact I am quite critical about my home country, I will always love it. In general, people get what they de-serve. Since turnout in Polish elections is so low, nobody should complain about any-thing. If you do not vote, you have no right to criticise.

- Will the Firmus Group celebrate its 15th anniver-sary in a special way?

- Well, we will celebrate it with hard work. We will em-ploy 50 new employees. We will start to execute three or four new projects whose value will amount to 120 million zloty. I think we will continue to implement our long-term strategy which aims to make both Mielno and Koszalin tourist centres not only of the Baltic region but also the whole Northern Europe.

Stein Christian Knutsen, CEO of FIRMuS GROuP

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One of benefits is promotion of the region, that is posi-tive publicity. The

biggest advantage is defini-tely the Dune apartment bu-ilding which was finished and fully functional 1,5 years ago. Dune is opened all year ro-und - even if the owners are not there, the apartments are available for rent to visitors from Poland, Scandinavia or Germany (specialist outside companies manage the ren-tal services).

Dune’s guests may enjoy: two outdoor swimming pools with warm heated water, a fit-ness studio, the Dermalogica beautician’s studio, a restau-rant with a cafe. Of course, summer is the peak season for staying in Dune. Howe-

ver, it is worth mentioning that thanks to such projects as Dune, the ‘season’ is being redefined. Statistics indicate that the season for renting apartments in Dune, the only luxury apartment building in Mielno so far, practically does not stop.

We are constantly buildingDune is not the only inve-

stment of the Firmus Group. Earlier, the company execu-ted the project called Tarasy [Terraces] - an apartment bu-ilding at ul. Piastów 1, right in the heart of Mielno. The building wooden facade is one of its most characteristic features. In the ground floor one can find a local branch of the PKO BP bank, “Na Fali” cafe, and the Firmus Group

Sales Office.The Firmus Group has also

executed some projects to order. An enormous produc-tion hall located in a special economic subzone in Kosza-lin is one of the examples. The hall was ordered by a Norwegian company - Hatte-land which manufactures wa-rehouse computer devices.

We will continue buildingCurrently, we are finishing

the construction of the last building in the Rezydencja Park complex (ul. Kopernika/Orła Białego). The complex comprises almost identical apartment buildings with 12 apartments in each. The buildings are surrounded by beautiful old pine trees. Even though the complex is

situated almost in the heart of Mielno, one can call it a ha-ven of peace and tranquility. It is a perfect place either to rest and relax or to work. The owners of the apartments in the fourth building will be able to move in in May this year.

The success of this invest-ment convinced the develo-per to continue and develop the project further. As a re-sult, the construction of the Rezydencja Park Rodzinna started in March. It will be an apartment building designed especially for families with children. This part of the com-plex will comprise 32 apart-ments. The building itself will resemble other buildings in the Rezydencja Park com-plex. The facade of the buil-

ding will be characteristic of half-timbered houses (both wattle and daub construc-tions and brick nogged tim-ber walls) - one of the most recognisable elements of the old Pomeranian architecture.

Busy year 2015The biggest business ven-

ture of the Firmus company this year is commencing the second stage of the Dune Re-sort construction. Dune Re-sort is an apartment building complex covering the area of 33 thousand square kilo-metres. The Dune apartment building (114 apartments) constitutes the first part of the complex. Next, Dune B and Dune C will be construc-ted. As a result, the number of apartments will increase

with time to 331.There will also be an indoor swim-ming pool, a fitness studio, a SPA and wellness zone, and commercial premises. The building permit has already been issued. Currently, the company is preparing a de-tailed design and is devising an apartment sale strategy. However, the exact date of the work commencement is not known yet. The informa-tion will be passed on, once the general contractor will be chosen. The total cost of the Dune Resort project will amount to 160 million zloty.

It all started with fascination

Stein Christian Knutsen (the president of the Firmus group of investment compa-

The company anniversaryWhen the Firmus Group started its operations in Mielno 15 years ago, not many people were aware of its existence. Since then, however, the company has become a popular brand and probably the most recognisable company in Mielno. Projects that have already been executed as well as new investments have been beneficial not only for the developer but also for Mielno itself.

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of DuNE took place in 2011.

Apartment building Tarasy

Rezydencja Park

Dune Apartment Building was officially opened in June 2013.

Visualization of DuNE RESORT

15years

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Sales OfficeMielno, ul. Piastów 1A/E+ 48 94 342 22 22www.firmusgroup.pl

news

We support single mothers Probably in May this year, a secure apartment for single mothers, arranged by “Zdążyć z Miłością” foundation in Koszalin, will be ready for use. The repair works are voluntarily performed by KuNCER Construction Company, supported by, i.a. Firmus Group.

The secure apart-ment, a ‘safe haven’ for women leaving the Single Mothers

House, Nadzieja Emergency Centre or any other care in-stitution, is being created in the tenement at Jana z Kolna Street in Koszalin. The crea-tion of the apartment is the first project of the “Zdążyć z Miłością” foundation which has been operating for a year now. The 111 m2 handed over by the munici-pal authorities of Koszalin needed some refurbish-ment. The foundation has collected the money for this purpose through variety of sources – i.a. during a char-ity concert, AZS basketball game, events in EMKA and ATRIuM shopping malls. The total cost of the renovation is approximately PLN 160 000, and the interior fit-tings will require another PLN 50 000.

The apartment is on the first floor of an old tenement. In order to adapt it to the needs of single mothers with children there are a number of standards that need to be complied, especially as far as fire protection is concerned (e.g. new fire door or lining the walls, ceilings and stair-case with fireproof panels). Step by step, the Foundation overcomes subsequent bar-riers and obtains the nec-essary permits, and above all – acquires partners and donors. - Among business people of Koszalin we have a lot of friends, and one of them is undoubtedly KuNC-ER Construction Company - says Justyna Śmidecka,

Vice President of the Foun-dation. - The Company has undertaken to perform the repair works of the apart-ment, engaging not only their employees but also subcontractors with whom the Company is in perma-nent cooperation.

Wioletta Stelmach, Gen-eral Manager of PB KuNCER, confirms: - Originally the scope of the works was somewhat limited but we decided we would engage ourselves more and that we would carry on with the entire renovation. We are assisted by our regular sub-

contractors who did not have to be specifically en-couraged. Everyone joined in the work within his or her area of expertise.

Also several other local businesses decided to sup-port the renovation and dec-oration of the secure single mothers apartment. Among them, our company - Firmus Group which will cover the costs of staircase repairs, which must comply with the specific fire protection re-quirements.

Stein Christian Knutsen says: - Community involve-ment is something that we consider natural. We are part of the local community, so when necessary, we do not refuse help. We do our bit for charity projects like this particular one, we sponsor sports and culture.

There will be four rooms for moms with children. The largest of the rooms will be occupied by mom with three little ones, other rooms are designed for moms with one child. So far, the building housed offices, there was no bathroom, now it needs to be fitted and equipped.

- We want women wronged by fate, to find a warm and safe shelter here - explains Małgorzata Kaweńska-Ślęzak, President of the Foundation. - We care about that the apartment which for a while becomes their home, to be nice, col-ourful and friendly. We are utterly grateful to all the individuals and companies who have decided to pro-vide us with their assistance.

A secure apartment is the place where persons in a peculiar personal situation can prepare for a self-reliant life. It concerns the situations such as leaving an orphanage, a shelter for victims of crime, completing a long-term cessation therapy or sometimes also leaving a prison. Based on the concept, a person may use the secure apartment for a specified period of time; must seek work and target home. If he/she finds one, he/she vacates the space for another person. In Koszalin, there are at the moment six secure apartments; the one arranged for by the Zdążyć z Miłością Foundation will be the seventh.

The company anniversaryWhen the Firmus Group started its operations in Mielno 15 years ago, not many people were aware of its existence. Since then, however, the company has become a popular brand and probably the most recognisable company in Mielno. Projects that have already been executed as well as new investments have been beneficial not only for the developer but also for Mielno itself.

nies) has always emphasised that the idea to settle and work in Mielno came from pure fascination. He was 33 back then and was amazed by pristine nature and beau-tiful sandy beaches. More-over, he saw great potential in vast areas where a whole new tourist top-quality city could be built.

The first few years of the Firmus company operations were devoted to searching for and purchasing proper land: be it single plots of land in Mielno or bigger plots behind the Jamno Channel (in Łazy direction). Since part of this land used to be a military area, the company had to engage in a ‹clean-up operation› (buried old fuel tanks, ferroconcrete

remains of buildings). It was not only time-consuming but also very expensive (a few million zloty).

As a result, the Firmus Group became an owner of a unique complex of invest-ment land. The land stretch-es for 2,5 km on both sides of the road to unieście. Stein Knutsen believes it is pos-sible to build an entire city there. And it is not an over-statement. The Firmus com-pany has already prepared a land-use study of these areas. The project will be called Beach City. However, many factors influence ini-tiation of this visionary proj-ect, completion of already started as well as planned investments being one of them. Some of the projects

have already been men-tioned, others will be pre-sented further in our maga-zine.

Not only businessThe Firmus Group - a

company celebrating its 15 anniversary, is a great example of a venture not only in terms of business. For the last 15 years, the company has also engaged in various social issues re-lating to both Mielno and Koszalin. It is nearly impos-sible to count numerous initiatives that the Firmus Group has supported be it financially or organisatio-nally. The company spon-sors sports events as well as co-organises events pro-moting a healthy lifestyle.

Małgorzata Kaweńska-Ślęzak

Dune Apartment Building was officially opened in June 2013.

Visualization of DuNE RESORT

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Dune B is the second (of three) DuNE RE-SORT projects – an apartment com-

plex with a total usable area planned at 33 thousand sq. m.

Since June 2013, Dune A has been operating (114 apartments and a restau-rant). Besides Dune B (151 apartments) Dune C is still to come in the future (80 subsequent ones). The en-tire complex will accom-modate approx. 331 holi-day apartments of different sizes.

The great ones appreciate Firmus Group

The World renowned con-struction advisors Gleeds was chosen as construction supervisors for the Dune B project. Gleeds Polska’s re-presentative, Tomasz Przy-musiak, does not reveal ei-ther the number or names of the construction companies that have registered for the tender and have taken up the tender documents. - At this stage, I can only assure you that these are the major play-ers in the Polish construc-tion market - says Tomasz Przymusiak. - The success of

Dune A raised the interest of serious contractors in estab-lishing cooperation with Fir-mus Group. They saw that the investor has great potential and capital resources. Such investments are closely mon-itored by the market. In the case of Dune and we had to deal with an exceptional situ-ation because already du-ring construction, half of the apartments have been sold. There were no problems with financing whatsoever. The contractors got a clear mes-sage that they were dealing

with a reliable investor. Even more so that Firmus Group makes no secret of the long-term plans. Highly impressive was for the construction in-dustry the information about the vastness of the investor’s areas for development.

Tomasz Przymusiak of Gleeds Poland goes on to say: - Firmus’ developments are original. They are large structures with a unique cubic volume, with lots of glass, on the seafront, with-in the 50-meter coastal belt. Such opportunities are rare.

The tender will select a general contractor, and it will probably be one of the key players in the market. Also the companies from Mielno, Koszalin and the surrounding areas will ben-efit from that because - as in the case of Dune A – a number of works will be outsourced to local subcon-tractors and suppliers. The owners of B&Bs and apart-ments providing accom-modation to construction workers coming in Mielno will also benefit.

Professionalism at every stage

Firmus Group has previ-ously worked with Gleeds

Poland in the implemen-tation of Dune A project. The role of this global and renowned consulting com-pany is much more than a construction supervision. It participates in the prepara-tion of an investment from the very outset. Gleeds is responsible for ensuring all paperwork and rational-ity of the cost-related deci-sions. However, the most important task of the pro-ject supervisor is to ensure that the investment has been made in accordance with the agreed schedule and the highest level of quality.

Stein Christian Knut-sen, CEO of Firmus Group says: - In everything we do, we focus on quality and professionalism. That is why we chose Gleeds Poland. Their extensive experience guarantees the selection of the best ex-ecutive offer, and later on, a smooth process of con-struction and the achieve-ment the desired standard of performance.

A step away from the seaThe investment chief

architect and the author

of the project is Marek Si-etnicki of SAS - Studio Ar-chitektoniczne Sietnicki from Szczecin. As the co-owner of Mellon Architekci studio he also designed the Dune A project. The project retains all distin-guishing elements of the previous project which was recognised in 2014, i.a. by specialised pub-lications (i.a. magazines such as “Architektura” and “Życie w Architekturze”). Large glass surfaces en-able natural light maxi-

mum access to the interior. The rooms are high which enhances the feeling of spaciousness. The build-ing block is arranged rela-tive to the directions of the world, so that the view of the sea would be available from a number of points. The bright facades blend with the natural surround-ings of the beach and coastal dunes. Everything will be made of the high-est quality materials - both construction and finishing.

Dune B will offer its cus-tomers 151 turnkey apart-ments of different sizes: 36 studios, 80 apartments with 2 rooms , 29 apart-ments with 3 rooms and 6 penthouses.

- It is not a base built or higher base built which are the most popular standards of finish in Poland - says Tomasz Przymusiak. - A cus-tomer will receive the keys and will be able to immedi-ately move into a complete-ly furnished apartment, with all the sanitary white-ware, floors, ceramics, bathroom and kitchen fittings.

A spacious lobby has been designed in the build-ing (nearly 130 sq. m.) with

Pending tender for the biggest investment in the history of Mielno The companies participating in the tender for the general contractor of the Dune B apartment building have the time to submit their tenders until 15 April. In will take two years to raise a structure which will comprise 151 luxury holiday apartments, underground parking garage, spa zone with pools and dining options. Firmus Group wants the works to commence immediately after the May long weekend.

Dune B in figures:Total footprint: 2772.35 sq. m. Total floor space of garage: 3686 sq. m. Total housing and usable area: 8000 sq. m.SPA area: 510 sq. m.Commercial area: 303 sq. m.Cubic capacity: 51 243 cubic metersHeight at the highest point: 22.95 m

Number of apartments (151) of specific types:Studio (floor surface from 24 up to 30 sq. m.) – 36 2 room apartments (floor surface from 46 up to 63 sq. m.) – 803 room apartments (floor surface from 58 up to 106 sq. m.) – 29Penthouses (floor surface from 97 up to 145 sq. m.) – 6.

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Pending tender for the biggest investment in the history of Mielno The companies participating in the tender for the general contractor of the Dune B apartment building have the time to submit their tenders until 15 April. In will take two years to raise a structure which will comprise 151 luxury holiday apartments, underground parking garage, spa zone with pools and dining options. Firmus Group wants the works to commence immediately after the May long weekend.

a reception and security room. The underground garage will have parking spaces, storage rooms and bike storages. Over the area of approx. 510 sq. m. a SPA zone has been designed, within this zone a swimming pool, a leisure pool and a children’s pool, jacuzzi, sauna and massage room. It will complement the Dune A leisure offer which already includes a beauty and well-ness Salon, fitness room, and on the outdoor terrace, facing the sea there are two outdoor heated pools. On the other hand, on the area of approx. 330 sq. m. intended for services, i.a. a café is being planned (serv-ing breakfast and lunch). Here, too, a space is provid-ed that can be easily isolat-ed as a conference or train-ing room.

Being already in use, the Dune A building consti-tutes one block, with an axis perpendicular to the coast. Dune B in turn, is two larger (four and five-storey) blocks linked by a lower (two-storey) element, the area of which can ac-commodate the commer-cial and utility functions.

Both parts of DuNE B with their shorter sides are also facing the shoreline. Be-tween them, there will be a large, sunny courtyard, which from the sea is closed by a small pavilion with a planned summer bar.

In anticipation of the verdict

As Karolina Siwek, Firmus Project Manager of Dune B informs, the companies in-terested in the tender were given access to the server with the design documen-tation: - While analysing the documentation, they make queries which give rise to further design clarifications. until 15 April all binding of-fers must be submitted. We will evaluate them carefully and we select the general contractor. We are anxious to have the contract signed in April. As from the begin-ning of May we could start working on the site.

- The investor intends to build Dune B by the end of April 2017. We believe it is an ambitious deadline but realistic – as Tomasz Przy-musiak of Gleeds Poland emphasises.

Milestones of the investment process:Strengthening of the land and pouring of one meter thick foundation slab. Earlier removal of approx. 30 000 cubic meters of soil (as much as the volume of 14 Olympic swimming pools).Zero stage, i.e. going out of the ground, including the construction of an underground garage.Open core and shell, i.e. reinforced concrete structure. Closed core and shell, i.e. reinforced concrete, plus all the brick walls, roof and aluminium joinery.Finishing state, i.e. sanitary fixtures, decoration, facade and landscaping.

www.mielno-dune.pl www.mielno-park.pl

Rezydencja Park nearly completedIt is rather infrequent for the developer to sell most summer apartments before the construction is finished. However, this is what happened to all four parts of the Rezydencja Park complex in Mielno. The last part will soon be finished.

The Rezydencja Park [Park Mansion] com-prises four almost identical buildings,

erected based on the design of one of Szczecin compa-nies- Mellon Architekci [Mel-lon Architects]. The develo-per’s intention was for the four parts to differ only with regard to interiors finishing and plaster as well as clinker tile colours on the external walls. Inside, both the size and the plan of the apart-ments are the same. The employees of the Firmus Group Sales Office empha-size that clients loved the apartments in the Rezyden-cja Park straight away; the-refore, there was no need to alter a perfectly functional design in any way.

A single apartment size is either 39 square metres (with one bedroom) or 53 square metres (with two bedrooms). The smaller, two-room apartment can put up five people (where the convertible sofa is also used). The bigger, three-ro-om apartment can put up

comfortably six people.All apartments were sold

turn-key finished. The kit-chen is fully furnished (inclu-ding household appliances), the bathroom is ready to use and the floors are wooden. Apartments also have inte-rior doors. Those apartments which served the function of show apartments were even sold furnished.

What are the most frequ-ently emphasized attribu-tes of the Rezydencja Park? Above all, its location. The Rezydencja Park complex is situated in the centre of Mielno and it is surrounded by pine trees of an old park, between the Baltic Sea and the Jamno Lake (the distan-ce to both the sea and the lake is approximately 150 metres). However, even du-ring the peak summer se-ason, residents can enjoy peace and tranquility. Many clients also like the building architectural design which resembles half-timbered houses (wattle and daub constructions) that were popular in the Pomeranian

region in the past. Other clients appreciate “inti-macy and privacy” of the apartments (there are only 12 apartments in each buil-ding). All apartment owners also have their own parking space. Moreover, the com-plex area is closed.

The construction of the first building started more than four years ago. During that period, the neglected, dilapidated area was trans-formed into an organised, elegant and cosy summer resort.

Construction works in the last building in the Rezyden-cja Park will soon be over. The facade has already been finished; currently, the last finishing works take place in the apartments as well as building common parts. It is estimated that the building will be ready at the end of April 2015, so the buyers will be able to enjoy their summer apartments even before summer begins. The-re are only 3 apartments left for sale in the IV building.

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Olga Roszak Pezała – Mayor of Mielno in the company of Karsten Klepsvik - Ambassador of Norway

Firmus Group is building in KoszalinDue to its previous investments, the Firmus Group is associated mostly with Mielno. However, it is beginning to change. The developer is about to obtain a permit to build a gated community comprising single family houses in the Jamno district of Koszalin.

The Ambassador of Norway was our guestIn the beginning of March in Mielno Karsten Klepsvik, the ambassador of Norway in Poland, met Norwegian entrepreneurs who invest in Polish Pomerania. Prior to that meeting, we also had great pleasure to meet His Excellency in our company registered office in Mścice.

Our guest who vis-ited Mielno on March 4, 2015, wanted to find out

as much as possible about the Firmus Group achieve-ments as well as its future plans. The plans were pre-sented during the meeting in the company registered office by Stein Christian Knutsen, the president of the FG board of directors.

Mr Knutsen described what has been achieved within the last 15 years in Mielno (preparation of unique - in Polish Pomera-nia - land for construction purposes, completion of luxury apartment buildings,

land use plans, and future building designs). He also presented plans for the ne-arest future, including inve-stments which have already commenced or will com-mence soon.

During his stay in Mielno, ambassador Klepsvik met Norwegian entrepreneurs and managers who oper-ate in the West Pomerania region. The meeting took place in Dune Restaurant Cafe Lounge in the Dune apartment building (which is one of the Firmus Group’s investments). The talks re-garded among other things, the possibilities of expand-ing economic Polish-Nor-

wegian cooperation. Olga Roszak-Pezała, head of the Mielno commune, also par-ticipated in the formal cock-tail meeting.

It is worth mentioning that one of the companies operating in the subzone of the Słupsk Special Eco-nomic Zone - Hatteland, utilizes Norwegian capital. The company manufactures in Koszalin state-of-the-art devices used in both ware-houses and production halls. The said devices are sold all over the world. The enormous production hall of Hatteland was one of the projects run entirely by the Firmus Group.

Official name: Osie-dle Norweskie. The-re will be 48 single family houses. The

houses will be built in accor-dance with one of the four designs available to cho-ose from (the size will range from 99,99 to 143,3 square metres). The designs were created by Pracownia Projek-towa PROJEKTOR Adam Spy-chalski.

Where did the idea for the Osiedle Norweskie come from? Stein Christian Knut-sen, the Firmus Group pre-sident, explains ‘We have at our disposal investment are-as on both sides of the Jamno Lake. The part in Koszalin co-vers the area of 100 hectares of land! What we are obse-rving with great satisfaction is the fact that Koszalin is “getting closer and closer” to the sea. The city expands in the northerly direction and,

therefore, our gated com-munity will provide future buyers with what they need. More than ten years ago, no-body imagined there would be hundreds of houses in the European union residential district. By the same token, some people might find it dif-ficult to believe that the resi-dential area might expand as far as the Jamno Lake itself. But this is an inevitable and beneficial process. We need to realise that due to the Jam-no Lake, Koszalin practically neighbours Mielno. Conso-lidating these two cities will definitely bring benefits to all of us.

In the initial stage of con-struction works, eight single family houses will be con-structed. The first house - the show house - will be built in a few months time (the house will be based on the OSLO design). Potential clients will

get a chance to check not only all the functional solu-tions but also the quality of our work.

It will be the first gated community comprising sin-gle family houses in Koszalin which will provide its resi-dents with maximum safety. Moreover, the gated com-munity will be built in pictu-resque green areas, not far from where Koszałek ferry starts its “voyage”. Peace and tranquility as well as fresh air are guaranteed. It is also an ideal location for families with children.’

The developer is predicting that families with children will be particularly intere-sted in buying a house in the Osiedle Norweskie. Since the houses will not be too big, young people will be able to afford them (such a house will be a good alternative to buying a big flat in an even

Achievements of Firmus Group were presented by CEO Stein Christian Knutsen

Page 7: Firmus News 2015 (1) English version

7news

Firmus Group is building in KoszalinDue to its previous investments, the Firmus Group is associated mostly with Mielno. However, it is beginning to change. The developer is about to obtain a permit to build a gated community comprising single family houses in the Jamno district of Koszalin.

House names and sizes- ALESuND 99,99 square metres

- BERGEN 106,61 square metres

- OSLO 127,62 square metres

- TRONDHEIM 143,42 square metres

The size of the plots of land varies from 650 to 1200 square metres

Rezydencja Park Rodzinna is about to launch It is already known, who will be in charge of construction, under the engagement from Firmus Group, of the first apartment building in Mielno, designed primarily for families with children. The construction of Rezydencja Park Rodzinna has been awarded to Przedsiębiorstwo Budowlane KuNCER.

The successful ten-derer shall build the Rezydencja Park Ro-dzinna at Orła Bia-

łego Street in Mielno consi-sting of thirty two 2 and 3 room apartments , from 36 up to 53 m2 and three 71 m2. Each of them will have a spacious terrace or a bal-cony (their size - depending on the apartment - will be either 8 or 21 m2). The gara-ge located in the basement of the building will offer 20 parking spaces and additio-nal 12 outside, on closed premises.

The choice of families as the main recipient of the Rezydencja Park Rodzinna offer influenced the solu-tions adopted in the pro-ject. Instead of reception, a cosy lobby in warm colo-urs has been designed. Its space will be designed for leisure purposes, hence,

among others the childre-n’s play corner, sofa and be-anbag chairs. Outside, chil-dren will be able to benefit from a large playground with various coloured devi-ces. Nearby, there is a place where parents will be able to sit and watch the kids play. As Agnieszka Fedoruk, the Project Manager with Firmus Group Management informs, the apartments will have a “turnkey” finish. This means hardwood flo-ors, ceramic tiles and full bathroom fixtures, interior doors in natural veneer, kit-chens equipped with fur-niture and built-in applian-ces.

The building architecture (designed by Szczecin AB Studio architectural design studio Marek Antoszczy-szyn, Andrzej Buko), refers to the neighbouring Park Re-sidence, i.e. four 12-apart-

ment buildings which are characterised by immedia-tely noticeable use of half--timbered construction the-mes.

Cezary Kulesza, Head of Firmus Marketing and Sales, explains: - We are making use of a proven concept for small apartments. We have found that customers ap-preciate a functional floor plan, high standard of finish and equipment. The conti-nuation of the Rezydencja Park project is therefore so natural. The building that we are currently beginning to work on is being designed from the very beginning as a leisure place for the entire family.

However, nothing preclu-des the fact that purchasing the apartments might be treated as an investment, as in the case of other Fir-mus Group investments. By

granting the management of the apartments to an exter-nal company specialising in commercial lease of holiday and hotel apartments, the owners might significantly benefit from it.

Who might the potential customers be? Cezary Kule-sza says: - It can be assumed that the Rezydencja Park Rodzinna will be particu-larly attractive to people living in the relatively short distance, that is, up to 200-250 km from Mielno. Such distance ensures a trouble--free transport by car in a few hours and the ability to enjoy the seaside apartment almost every weekend. Si-milarly, as in the case of the Rezydencja Park, we expect considerable interest of cu-stomers from Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Piła.

larger house). Moreover, the nature and features of the gated community will satisfy young people’s needs. Chil-dren will have a place to play in clean and green surroundings. Furthermore, the gated com-munity design caters for resi-dents’ basic services. What is also important: common parts of the gated community, such as roads, playgrounds, green areas will be created along with the construction of the houses themselves.

Another advantage is the fact that potential clients will know exactly what their neigh-bourhood will be like in the fu-ture. There will not be any fac-tories as well as tall buildings blocking the view or limiting sunlight.

The houses will be sold in the developer’s standard (bu-ilding shell). Planned gas he-ating. Gas provision - gas ne-tworks.

www.mielno-park.pl

Page 8: Firmus News 2015 (1) English version

8 news

Welcome to Dune Dermalogica & Spa

Customers of DER-MALOGICA Institute of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medi-

cine are well aware of the institute’s wide variety of treatments and the level of professionalism. Right now the treatments are offered

not only by the institute in Koszalin but also by the one in Mielno operating at Dune apartment building.

As Ms Edyta Szuplak-Słupczewska, a graduate of the Medical university in Łódź, Master of Science in Cosmetology, Vice Presi-dent of the Polish Asso-ciation of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, owner of the institute, says: - Wel-come to the world of the unique value opening un-limited possibilities of acquiring knowledge of conscious skin care. Dune Dermalogica & Spa of-fers a variety of rejuvenat-ing & beauty treatments. In a relaxed atmosphere and comfort, you can en-gage in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology treat-

ments customised to your requirements and to take advantage of the benefits of massage, relaxation and tranquillity. Dune Derma-logica & Spa uses the most reputable dermatological

brands and the most mod-ern and effective treatment devices having prestigious certifications, as well as reviews of medical uni-versities ensuring the ef-fects of their application.

Dune Dermalogica & Spa was established to provide customers with a complete range of the highest quality services related to beauty, body and with a view to prevention and combating

the symptoms of aging – as Edyta Szuplak-Słupczewska claims.

Contact: Dune Apartment Building, Mielno, ul. Pio-nierów 18, mob.: 731 871 125

Below the surface of the skin that

you see, is the skin that you desire.

Discover it now.

A breath of spring in Dune Restaurant Cafe Lounge menu The Dune Restaurant chef is consistent as ever. He has announced that the menu would change along with the seasons of the year and he does make it happen. So let us have a quick look at the menu of Dune Restaurant Cafe Lounge and see the brand new things flourish because the spring is coming.

As Rafał Lorenc, the Chef of the Dune Restaurant com-ments: - We decided

to replace stuffy, very hearty and energetic meals match-ing the cold weather with lighter dishes. Even if the base are the same products, the preparation and presen-tation is different. Right now the goulash soup will not be on the list. However the light and fragrant fish soup remains. What is new on the menu is the green pea soup; it is no cream but pea decoc-tion served with scallops. A refreshing, light taste, do not overlook it!

There is also a sour rye soup which may surprise many of our customers be-cause there have been no traditional Polish dishes on the Dune menu so far. Rafał Lorenc says: - I am a big fan of

the sour rye soup. This is the first dish I order in a restau-rant I am visiting for the first time. By the way it is served I can see whether I deal with a good cuisine. A sour rye soup has to be made with smoked bacon, white sausage, mush-rooms and fresh horseradish. I cook my soup with smoked ribs, with all the necessary in-gredients. I am curious what you think about it?

Among the hot starters there is noteworthy green asparagus with poached egg, with hollandaise sauce and bacon. - For now, they are imported asparagus but as soon as the fresh Polish ones appear, we will certainly use them. On top of it, we use aro-matic chive oil as a garnish – as the Chef describes.

Puttanesca with lamb loin which is currently served by Dune, will satisfy every pas-

ta aficionado. Incomparable taste has been achieved by using ideal proportions of anchovies, capers, garlic, tomatoes and chili. From this section of the menu you still have to try at least the genuine saffron risotto with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and Grana Padano cheese. Yummy!

As the Polish traditional main courses are concerned, the breaded pork cutlet will replace the pork steak. – It comes with the bone of course. It is prepared using the “saus vide” technique, i.e. vacuum cooking, gar-nished with the super crispy batter, served on savoy cab-

bage, sizzled with bacon, tomatoes, vegetables, baked potatoes and mustard sauce – as Rafał Lorenc describes. - The pork chop must be juicy, it cannot be over-pounded. It must be a solid piece of meat. I can say one thing, ours is not “slapped” even once!

As other menu items are concerned, there is one dish that will appeal especially to people looking for de-cent beef dishes. A rib eye steak also found its way into the spring menu; a rib-eye being the middle part of an entrecote, matured, with fat hypertrophy, extremely appreciated by gourmands. The meat comes from Po-land, it is matured for two weeks in wet and then in dry vacuum for a week. The meat then becomes ductile and aromatic. It is difficult

to describe the taste – you have to have a bite of it.

And yet one more change. The Baltic fish. Their per-manent introduction into the menu is the conclusion drawn from the successful theme weekends that would take place at the Dune res-taurant. They have been enthusiastically received by our customers. The fish will therefore be available every single day. Fresh, raw material comes from the fishermen of unieście. They will surely be another block-buster at the restaurant (the first one being the burgers).

Finally, the dessert which originates from the Polish culinary tradition – a cheese-cake with orange, white chocolate and vanilla. This one was introduced into the menu at our customers’ re-quest.

Rafał Lorenc concludes: - Along with the spring we have replaced a couple of menu items. Even those which had strong support-ers among the customers, such as strudel. In their place, we offer lighter food, how-ever not early-season veg or chilled beet soup yet, it is not the right time. In general, we are moving in the direction of shortening our menu so as to maintain high quality. We welcome the growing attend-ance of the customers from Koszalin, which proves that our restaurant is already rec-ognisable and that it serves memorable dishes.

RESTAURANT CAFE LOUNGE

r e s e r v a t i o n tel : +48 501 870 858