Apartment with a Podium by Neuhäusl Hunal Architects

Studio: NEUHÄUSL HUNAL
Author: David Neuhäusl, Matěj Hunal
Co-author: Pavla Daniels, Alžběta Nováková
Client: Martin Hrouda
Project location: Křišťanova 1638/12, Prague
Project country: Czech Republic
Completion year: 2022
Usable Floor Area: 44,5 m²
Photographer: Radek Úlehla
Construction: BORCI
Carpenter: Jan Fürst
Tiles: Archtiles

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About Studio

The meaning and potential of architecture go far beyond mere appearance. Our goal is to use this potential to 100%. We deliberately do not limit ourselves by typology, scale or budget. Regardless of whether it is an interior design, a building or an urban structure, in addition to the construction itself, we also deal with immaterial relationships and meanings, thanks to which poetic spaces, pleasant places and innovative functional solutions can be created.

Architecture is a complex, well-thought-out structure and process of creating an environment embodying the values ​​of a company. That is why we strive for naturalness, rationality, truthfulness and moderate beauty in our designs. We respect the specific circumstances of the project, we carefully analyze situations and their solutions, and we go through countless dead ends in order to achieve the ideal result. 

The meaningfulness of the project and open communication are essential prerequisites for successful cooperation. We are intensively dedicated to architectural competitions and remain vigilant. We are also active outside of designing. We write, teach and research. We established the best architectural competition for students in the former Czechoslovakia. Whatever we do, we base ourselves on quality, honesty and independence.

The material-gentle, but spatially uncompromising solution significantly increased the living qualities of the cramped apartment on the ground floor in Prague. This project was both very specific and a personal matter – it was an apartment for our friend, and coincidentally also the founder of Studio U / U, which cultivates the public space of Czech cities, especially with excellent skateparks.

Mutual trust was thus an important aspect of the design and implementation. The basic principle of the complete reconstruction was to create a generous living space, which was created on the floor plan of the original kitchen, dining room and bedroom. The unification of the layout allowed light to enter from two directions and enhanced the visual contact with the greenery in the courtyard.

The sanitary facilities and the entrance hall were also completely renovated, but their layout was not changed except for the removal of the door to the former bedroom. The main and only room is dominated by two main elements representing two main functions: the kitchen and a multifunctional podium that serves as bed, storage, library, dressing room and bench.

Wooden block for sleeping, pink block for cooking. The former bedroom has been de facto transformed into a platform, thus retaining its function with a slight exaggeration. The orientation of the bed and its higher position brings a pleasant and soothing view of the greenery. The platform forms the compositional basis of the space and its compactness promotes an airy and informal atmosphere.

The dialogue between the living and serving sections of the apartment is emphasised by the materials used and their unambiguous colour scheme. The bathroom, kitchen, toilet and corridor – all in potential contact with water – are defined by the pink colour of the furniture, tiles and cladding, while the storage areas and especially the multifunctional platform are made of birch plywood. For a softer feel to the apartment, circular light fixtures and mirrors were chosen.