The project involved a complete renovation of an apartment in a late-1930s Prague building, boasting exceptional views of the Vltava River. The primary objective was to adapt the layout to the needs of a young family while preserving and enhancing the inherent qualities of the original interior. A specific requirement was the integration of a dedicated storage solution for family bicycles.
The material palette is conceived with simplicity and honesty, clearly referencing the building’s era. The main circulation axes are highlighted by built-in oak veneer wardrobes. In the hallway, these units are strategically placed on the transition line between new poured polyurethane flooring and renovated oak parquets. Original doors were restored in two instances, with new transoms added above to draw natural light deeper into the floor plan. Throughout the apartment, dark-stained timber details provide a consistent visual rhythm.
By removing a partition between two original rooms, a generous living area was created to fully embrace the views from the building's upper floor. The kitchen, originally tucked away in a separate rear section alongside a former maid’s room, was relocated into this central space. It now dominates the interior with a dark blue-stained island, natural granite countertops, and oversized handles, lending the apartment a confident, artistic character. A custom-made dining table, crafted from hot-dip galvanized steel and bleached pine plywood, functionally bridges the kitchen and living areas.
Exposed concrete beams converge at the literal and metaphorical pivot point of the apartment: a structural corner column. Originally a challenging constraint, it was transformed into the project’s most distinctive feature. This nexus, where the various functions of the open space meet, is further emphasized through the strategic use of mirrors and oak veneer.
The original rear kitchen area was repurposed into a quiet parental zone, featuring a bedroom with a generous storage wall and a walk-in shower separated by glass blocks. The built-in furniture is complemented by bespoke objects from anýz (www.anyz.store) and refurbished original elements.
Team:
Author: Prokop Hartl
Paintings: Lukáš Koubek
Construction works: Stamoplast
Carpentry: Zlatý řez
Stonework: Bruno Paul
Glazing works: Alfaglass
Photographer: Radek Šrettr Úlehla
Materials Used:
oak veneer – built-in furniture
solid oak – parquet flooring
stained pine plywood – built-in furniture
natural granite – kitchen countertop / bathroom vanity top
concrete – original exposed structure
polyurethane coating – poured flooring
steel – custom furniture
lacquered MDF – kitchen units
glass blocks – bedroom shower partition
ceramic tiles – bathroom wall cladding
beech chair, stainless steel stool, aluminum vases — anýz
Ono Flush Mount light — HAY
Mapa light — Ideal Lux
Levit switches and sockets — ABB
Essence faucets — Grohe
Colour Two ceramic wall and floor tiles — RAKO
appliances — FRANKE
LED lighting system — KLUŚ
Chair 14, Chair 56 — TON
doors — Sapeli
