Project: Arbes Square Apartment
Architecture: Formafatal
Author: Katarina Varsová, Petra Dagan
Location: Arbes Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Area: 92 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: BoysPlayNice
Nestled beneath the sloping rooflines of a historic Prague building, the Arbes Square Apartment by Formafatal reimagines a once-dark attic into a luminous, two-level retreat perfect for discerning renters. By preserving the building’s storied bones while introducing contemporary interventions, this renovation strikes a fine balance between history and modern comfort.
A Bright Base of Cream and Wood
Initially, the space felt “rather dark due to the smaller roof windows.” To counter this, the architects cloaked the walls and ceilings in a “creamy white matte surface,” which not only reflects light but also serves as a neutral canvas for layered textures. Consequently, bleached wood floors and subtle shades of gray and blue add warmth and depth, while pops of “turquoise and terracotta” enliven standalone furnishings. As a result, what was once a shadowy attic now feels airy and inviting.
The Dark Inset Cube: Function Meets Contrast
At the heart of the lower level, a striking “dark block” anchors the open volume. This low cube houses the kitchen’s tall cabinetry, hallway cladding, and the bedroom wardrobe—all finished in a unified dark walnut décor. By tucking this mass beneath the gallery ceiling, Formafatal creates a compelling dialogue between the original roof beams and the modern insert. Moreover, this intervention maximizes storage without disrupting the apartment’s flow.
Sculptural Stair and Mirrored Surfaces
Ascending to the upper floor, a custom steel staircase makes both a functional and aesthetic statement. Its matte-painted profiles and perforated sheet-metal balustrade echo the apartment’s muted palette, while a mirrored stainless-steel backing at the base of the stairs enlarges the sense of space. Likewise, portions of the hallway construction feature partial perforation and mirrored panels, cleverly “creating a mirroring effect of the space while maintaining practical storage access.”
Ultimately, by weaving timeless materials with bespoke elements, Formafatal has crafted a rental unit that feels both unique and enduring—perfectly encapsulating the dual spirit of old and new found in the Arbes Square Apartment.
