Page 107 - AIT0721_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design No Architects, CZ-Prag
Grundriss vorher • Floor plan before
Grundriss nachher • Floor plan afterwards
Bauherr • Client Privat
Standort • Location Dejvice, CZ-Prag
Nutzfläche • Floor space 100 m 2
Fotos • Photos Studio Flusser
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 134
APARTMENT
IN PRAG
With a new arrangement of the layout and a consis-
tently uniform furnishing concept which was applied
to all the rooms, the Czech No Architects office succee-
ded in making it possible to experience an apartment
in an old building of the Prague Dejvice district in a dif-
ferent dimension. The structural intervention (almost)
bears comparison with royal residences.
I t is obvious that the French Sun King Louis XIV (1638–1715) already
highly valued architectural perspectives. The enfilade in his Ver-
sailles castle – meaning the sequence of the rooms behind one anot-
her whose communicating doors are positioned on a visual axis –
had impressive dimensions. To this day, it allows striking perspecti-
ves which make the dimensions of the Baroque palace noticeable in-
side as well. By the way, the access to the individual rooms followed
a strict court ceremonial and revealed the status of the respective vi-
sitors: The closer they were allowed to get to the back part of the en-
filade, the higher their rank since this was where the most private
premises of the king were located. When converting the apartment
in an old building in Prague, the No Architects office also applied the
enfilade principle. And, in the process, likewise emphasize spatial
generosity! Even if to a clearly more modest degree than it is found
in the castle of the Sun King. The whole layout of the flat was newly
organized and all of the main rooms linked with each other in such
a way that, once the doors are open, the total length of 16 metres be-
comes completely visible. On each of every front sides are the bed-
rooms, hence the rooms for retreating and privacy. The living area
and the kitchen with a dining area and the adjacent loggia have been
merged by tearing down a wall and are now an open ensemble. The
key feature is concealed behind a ceiling-high and handleless door
of massive oak wood: A very tiny office has additionally been inte-
grated here which is not much larger than a pantry yet makes undis-
turbed working possible. A really true plus which is particularly ap-
preciated during the time of the corona pandemic at the latest. The
study in mini format is supplied with daylight via the loggia. A spe-
cial characteristic of the conversion project is the custom-made
(built-in) furniture which produces a formally harmonious link bet-
ween all the rooms. Oak, cream-coloured lacquered surfaces and de-
tails in brass dominate and contribute to an elegant and almost so-
mewhat decorous appearance.
AIT 7/8.2021 • 107