BRIEF:

The renovation of an old Prague apartment with a floor area of 87 m² focuses on a new spatial layout that meets contemporary housing requirements. The aim of the design was to create two separate non-through rooms, a functional bathroom with WC, sufficient storage space, and above all a fully equipped kitchen connected to the living room as the main living area of the apartment.

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CONCEPT:

The starting point of the design was the restoration of the apartment’s spatial logic. The original layout was unnecessarily fragmented by a large number of non-load-bearing partitions, which created blind and unused spaces. Their removal resulted in a more open and better-lit apartment with a clear and legible structure.

 

At the same time, emphasis was placed on preserving and reintroducing original elements typical of historic Prague apartments – coved ceilings, casement windows, decorative doors, and wooden parquet floors. These elements are combined with new materials and interventions to create a balanced dialogue between the original and the contemporary. The design includes, for example, the refurbishment of parquet floors in the living areas, renovation of the original windows and doors, and the use of terrazzo in the new bathroom.

 

A key spatial intervention was the removal of two non-load-bearing partitions between the entrance hall and the kitchen, as well as the elimination of the original pantry, WC, and bathroom. This created a generous living space with a kitchen, dining area, and living room. At its centre, a new volume – an “inserted box” – is placed, housing the bathroom with WC. This element also functions as a conceptual filter between the apartment entrance and the main living area. The box is accentuated with fluted plaster, adding subtle detail and depth to the space.

 

From the main living area, two rooms are accessed independently, intended for a bedroom and a study or children’s room. Original double-leaf doors between the rooms are preserved, with their retention remaining an optional part of the concept.

 

The kitchen is designed in its original position, expanded by the space of the relocated bathroom. This allows for ample storage capacity, space for built-in appliances, and a pantry cabinet replacing the original storage room. The kitchen also includes a light, movable island that extends the work surface and enables flexible use of the space. Material-wise, the kitchen is designed in a combination of white laminate and oak veneer.

 

The new bathroom is located in the former WC and pantry area and is equipped with a shower. Thanks to the change in position, daylight is brought into the space through two narrow frosted windows.

Year: April 2022

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Study – collaboration:

Anna Nižňanská + Anna Podroužková

Area:  87 m2

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