Arbes Square Apartment by Formafatal

Renovation of an attic space in a historic building at Arbes Square into a two-level apartment with a gallery, intended for exclusive rental...

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From the architect: The renovation of the attic space in the historic building at Arbes Square focused on creating a two-level attic apartment intended for exclusive rental. Prior to starting the design, the original documentation for the building permit of the entire floor was prepared by architect Pavel Hnilička. Subsequently, the client approached us with a request to design the interior and potentially adjust the layout.

The entire floor was divided into four residential units, one of which was part of our design. The apartment layout was changed only minimally, taking into account the technical possibilities and the position of connection points. The client's wish was to create a timeless yet unique space that would appeal to potential tenants. Key aspects included the practicality and sustainability of the surfaces and materials used.

The client gave us free rein regarding the conceptual design of the entire attic. The space, which initially appeared rather dark due to the smaller roof windows, was transformed into a bright and airy interior with attractive color and material accents. The primary element became a creamy white matte surface, enriched with various textures and subtle shades of gray and blue, as well as the use of bleached wood. This base was enlivened with accents in turquoise and terracotta, applied to the standalone elements.

A separate mass is placed within the space—a dark block, a low cube placed in the high, open space with a tall roof structure. This mass, containing a tall kitchen cabinet, hallway cladding, and a wardrobe in the bedroom, is made of unified materials and placed under the gallery ceiling, finished in a dark walnut decor. The result is a contrast between the inserted mass, which adheres to one of the perimeter walls.

The upper floor remains in soft shades of cream and gray. In addition to the wooden structure of the fireplace, a striking element is the steel staircase with an atypically designed railing made of matte-painted steel profiles, with inserted perforated sheet metal in a matching color scheme. At the bottom of the staircase, where there is storage space, the perforated sheet is backed by a mirrored stainless steel plate. This combination creates a mirroring effect of the space while maintaining practical storage access. Similarly, part of the hallway construction is partially perforated and partially fitted with a mirror.

A major challenge for us was the complexity of the old attic space. We aimed to handle it sensitively by incorporating the interior elements we designed and had custom-made, as is customary for us. The result is a harmonious contrast between the modern inserted elements and the old story told by the beams of the original roof structure. This dialogue between the historic and the modern gives the space a unique character and creates an engaging environment for its inhabitants.

Architect: Formafatal
Location: Arbes Square, Prague, Czech
Year: 2024
Usable floor area: 92 sqm
Principal Architect: Katarina Varsová, Petra Dagan
Photography: BoysPlayNice