OPLETALOVA Apartment building
The renovation of this apartment building in the centre of Prague was developed in collaboration with a developer focused on contemporary urban housing. Theoriginal layout oflarge historic apartments was transformed into compact residential units designed for bothprivate living and investment rentals.
The project preserves the character of the original building while adapting it to a completely new way of living in the city. Historic architecture is combined with contemporary interventions—from the new gallery walkways and elevator to the redesigned shared spacesand model apartment interiors.
Gallery walkways that feel original
As part of the apartment building renovation, new gallery walkways were added into thecourtyard. The steel structure provides access to the apartments while naturally blending into the original architecture of the building.The courtyard façade was finished in a soft grey tone combined with dark timber windows,creating a calm and understated appearance.The courtyard itself was intentionally designed as a shared public space rather than a parking area. New stone paving transformed it into a small inner courtyard square for residents. The absence of parking was a deliberate decision from the beginning—the concept of compact apartments in central Prague reflects the lifestyle of residents who often do not require a car.
A vaulted passage brought back to life
One of the strongest architectural moments of the building is the original historic vaulted passage. During the renovation, the vault was carefully illuminated to highlight its depth,texture and historic detailing.The common areas of the apartment building were fully redesigned. New hexagonal floor tiles reference the historic character of the house while maintaining a contemporary feel. The combination of subtle metal details, new railings and grey apartment entrance doors gives theinteriors a calm and refined atmosphere. A new elevator with an exposed steel structure was inserted into the historic building. Rather than imitating historical elements, the intervention openly reflects the contemporary layer added to the original architecture.
A Small Apartment Without Compromise
The high ceilings of the original apartments made it possible to create built-in sleeping lofts in most units. This allowed for a significant increase in the usable floor space of the apartments without sacrificing the airy feel of the space. In the model apartment, we used a simple color scheme and a minimal selection of materials. Light-colored walls, oak flooring, and black metal elements create a calm foundation for urban living. The built-in sleeping loft is designed so as not to appear heavy or overpowering. Open railings and a simple structure preserve maximum light and a sense of space.
Bringing daylight deeper inside
We placed the kitchen in the central part of the apartment, which has no direct window. We therefore brought light into the space using glass doors with a transom, which allow daylight to reach deep into the layout. The kitchen area features simple materials and a minimalist design. The dark kitchen cabinets contrast with the light interior and help define the central living space. The entire design of the model apartment demonstrates that even a small apartment can feel spacious, serene, and functional all at once.
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by Radka - 11. 5. 2026