0,5 The studio proposed a comprehensive reconstruction of a functionalist apartment in a Prague apartment building

In the portfolio of architects Pavel Nový and Vít Svoboda from 0,5 Studio we can find a long series of reconstructions of flats in historic houses. Precisely because of their experience with such projects, they were also approached by an investor who planned to renovate his apartment in Vršovice, Prague. It is located in a late functionalist house from the 30s, whose advantages are, in addition to preserved details, an impressive view of the panorama of this district through typical sash windows.

Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo
Catalog sheet:
AuthorPavel NovyVit Svoboda
Atelier0,5 Studio
ZeměCzech Republic
CityPrague 10 - Vršovice
Implementation date2019
Usable area90.00m2

The architects were to design a complete reconstruction of the apartment, including a change of layout from 2 + 1 to 2 kk. The core of the apartment was to become a bright living room connected to the kitchen, with emphasis on its elegant visual connection with the bedroom in the rear wing. Last but not least, it was important for the client to create a representative space for a collection of paintings and objects from travels.

0,5 In its projects, the studio focuses on the readable layer of material and conceptual levels. The clear level, which they decided to emphasize in this case, was the visuality of the historic house, which the architects further supplemented with new entrances. The unifying element between the new entrances and the original line became the floor surfaces: a classic parquet was used, in the bathroom and toilet then trowels, which pass from the floor surfaces to the walls. Unification also took place in the case of lighting and radiators, and oak veneers and white paint were used for the built-in furniture.


Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo

From the common areas of the house we enter the apartment through the entrance hall with strong cross lighting, where there is also an integrated wardrobe with storage space and a library. An important element is the interior door from Dorsis. The doors that lead from the hall to the warehouse, to the toilet and to the bathroom merge with the wall thanks to hidden door frames. On the contrary, the door leading from the hall to the bedroom and living space is accentuated by a black metal frame leading up to the ceiling.

Spatially modest bedroom is oriented to a quiet courtyard and includes a dressing room with folding doors. The bedroom is dominated by a bed from the Javorina company.


Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo

The living room, which forms the core of the apartment, is entered from the hall through a double-leaf pivot door made specifically for this apartment. The layout of the former two rooms created 30 square meters of generous space. It is divided into a kitchen area with dining area, which also offers access to a balcony, and a living area. The built-in kitchen with a minimum of details is followed by a dining area with a Javorina table, complemented by historic chairs made of bent tubes. The sofa in the space from the MM interier company from the Systemi collection is oriented towards the projection wall and at the same time towards the dining table. In addition, the seating is emphasized by distinctive circular ceiling lighting with dimming. The living part is compositionally closed by a ground-floor longitudinal chest of drawers, on which, in addition to sound technology, souvenirs from travels are also tastefully presented.


Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo

Even though it is a smaller apartment, thanks to the thoughtful approach of the architects, it provides its inhabitants with adequate comfort. The architects achieved the resulting airy atmosphere mainly thanks to the impressive views through the rooms. Both generous common areas and more intimate parts are clearly defined throughout the apartment. What is to be visually hidden is drawn in color to white, on the contrary, what is to be highlighted is accentuated by materials and colors. This material and conceptual game forms the backdrop for the current needs of investors and lets the views of the roof panorama of Vršovice stand out, which enter the interior directly thanks to the sash windows. The dialogue here is led by contemporary objects and personal artifacts. It can be argued that 0,5 Studies managed to translate historical functionalism into contemporary language, which excels mainly due to the emphasis on detail.


Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo


Apartment Vršovice, 0,5 Studio / Pavel Nový, Vít Svoboda © Peter Fabo