Reconstruction of the laundry room

photo: Robert Žákovič

Words of the author, or rather the client
In the beginning, there was a modest requirement for housing in the center of Prague for a reasonable price. Naturally, with a beautiful view or even better, with a little green garden.
Outrageous prices for terribly renovated apartments, as well as those in disrepair, had to lead to the search for an alternative solution. The evaluation of attics in apartment buildings had already become common, which is why prices skyrocketed to the roof here as well. There was nothing left but to browse through garages and former shops. To seek suitable non-residential spaces with a hidden potential from real estate agents.
The space of the laundry room on the ground floor of the apartment building, with a beautiful courtyard, was immediately revealed as a frog - princess. Historically, this was a shop of a small business owner that connected to a living room.
The shop was transformed with a kiss into a children's room with a large glass display facing the street. Inspiration came from open Dutch apartments, visual communication between children and users of public spaces. Dog walkers on the sidewalks, garbage collectors on the road, these are the biggest attractions for children. Mutual interaction and positive reactions from passersby were a new experience for us as well.
The central entrance tract was cleared of huge concrete bases for washing machines after a heroic battle and transformed into a bathroom, storage room, and entrance hall with a wardrobe.
The aged king of the conservation office finally consented, and the window sills of the courtyard room along with the toilet windows were removed. Sunlight flooded the entire room, and after a moment of squinting, a beautiful exit to the green garden opened up. Over a drawbridge above the concrete yard, a wooden terrace connected the room to the lawn. The quality of a family house in the heart of the metropolis. Children playing on climbing frames, riding bikes, breakfast and evening barbecues with friends.

With this project, we not only solved our housing situation but also consider it a presentation of our thinking, our ability to solve assignments and the problems that arose.

The laundry room has become our small architectural and personal manifesto.