The renovation of this inner-block infill space presented an unusual challenge: how to transform a single, enclosed volume into a fully functional living environment without compromising light, openness, or character. The project reimagines the original one-room layout as a compact yet generous studio apartment designed for both short-term and extended stays.
The interior was reorganized into a spacious living area with a large media wall, a bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, and a separate technical room. Despite the dense urban context, the space benefits from abundant daylight thanks to preserved large-format roof skylights, which became a defining feature of the design.
The living area opens onto a covered terrace through a large lift-and-slide (HS) glass portal. The roofed terrace ensures privacy while simultaneously protecting the interior from views from higher surrounding floors, creating a calm retreat within the city block.
The material concept builds upon the existing architectural language of the structure. Original elements such as the reinforced concrete beam ceiling and the skylights were left exposed and intentionally emphasized. These were complemented by additional industrial details, including rebar used as custom door handles and a metal mesh installation that prominently displays a bicycle as both functional and sculptural element. Climbing plants were introduced to soften the raw industrial expression and add a layer of natural texture.
The floor is finished in Cemflow, a poured cement screed chosen for its ability to level uneven substrates while reinforcing the industrial character of the interior. Although inherently technical, the material has a refined, almost terrazzo-like appearance—an intentional reference to the traditional flooring commonly found in Prague’s historic apartment buildings.
Spruce bioboard was selected for bespoke joinery elements, reinterpreting a material typically used in construction and timber structures as a visible interior finish. In the kitchen, the bioboard cabinetry is paired with a stainless steel backsplash and countertop, a material that reappears in the bathroom on the vanity top, washbasin, and sanitary accessories, ensuring visual continuity throughout the studio.
The resulting interior is defined by a restrained palette of industrial and construction materials, balanced by natural light, warm timber, color accents, and textiles. This interplay creates a subtle tension between rawness and comfort, resulting in an avant-garde yet inviting atmosphere—an urban hideaway hidden within Prague’s inner blocks.
Team:
Architecture & Interior Design: Ing. arch. Jan Bek, Ing. arch. Martin Kříž — BekArch s.r.o.
Construction: 4interior&tiles s.r.o.
Photography: Ondřej Holub
Materials Used:
Furniture: Polstrin, momenti
Ceramic Tiles: Caesar
Joinery: Pavlis s.r.o.
Flooring: Cemflow
Shower Enclosure: barevná skla s.r.o.
Lighting: HAY
Textiles: jm-interier
