Reconstruction of a ground-floor apartment, Brno-Center

Petr Kvíčala invited me to collaborate on the realization of his home even when he was only considering renting the attic space. At that time, we met on-site and looked for options on how to modify the studio into a permanent living space for two. Even then, we were captivated by the charismatic interior with its unique style. We found ourselves face to face with a compactly preserved "design" interior from the 1970s. The original owner, architect Šmídek, had his studio here and created the interior concurrently with his public contracts. The space was dominated by the original vertical walnut paneling with distinct grain. Brass handles and fixtures, along with similarly toned atypical radiators, referred to the then "custom" production.
The enchantment with the space was so strong that it ultimately led Petr Kvíčala to purchase the apartment and decide to thoroughly reconstruct it. Although we initially tried to minimize alterations, it turned out that restoring the interior for a new way of use would ultimately require quite significant modifications. The original minimal kitchenette, bathroom with turquoise tiles, storage office spaces, and work tables were removed. We left the other parts in their original form and tried to create a neutral background with new entries into the interior. Therefore, we chose light natural linoleum, white lacquered furniture, and a light sofa. The original wooden paneling was preserved with patina and all the "secret hiding places." The staircase and doors were also preserved. The two golden radiators and brass fixtures remain functional as well.
Today, the apartment is pleasantly inhabited, and with each visit, I am once again impressed by how its airy atmosphere contrasts with the underground space of the painter's windowless studio.