Architect’s Loft by Senkyr Architekti Embraces Minimalist Design

Beneath a brick gate within Prague’s Vyšehrad Fortress, Czech architect Stanislav Senkyr uncovered a hidden gem – an atmospheric attic space that had been long abandoned and laying unused.

Senkyr discovered the unusual space for the new apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, when riding his bike more often along the well-known biking trails of the city, that pass through the fort.

Falling for the unique atmosphere of the fort, and the stunning views it affords, he decided he had to buy the space.

“I loved the historical ambiance of the entire Vyšehrad, as well as the unconventional setting amidst the Prague Castle ruins and unique views,” he told A p/A.

After obtaining the necessary permits, Senkyr personally undertook the construction work, as this was the most practical approach because of limited budget.

As he stated, “building with my own hands has given me freedom.”

Requiring more than just cleaning and clearing, the project included the removal of non-original structures and years of built-up dirt and mold in the existing loft space.

Only upon executing the work himself, could Senkyr unearth the elegant simplicity of the original structure, as stripping back the elements of the loft revealed stately features like a beautifully-massive chimney.

Senkyr’s design and construction methods adopted the strategy of selectively stripping the original structure, exposing and acknowledging all the original historical elements.

He further removed layers of plaster from the massive chimney block, as well as the added steel-reinforcement from its truss joints – expressing it in its most raw, naked form.

Returning the truss to its natural beauty required meticulous cleaning with brushes: as with the other elements, revealing its natural beauty to the fullest extent.

What resulted was a slimming down of the overall construction that inspired a minimalist approach to additional elements, such as the transparent partition wall separating the living area and the bedroom.

Modelled on the exposed metal and glass framework of the massive windows, the new partition was composed elegantly of discreet steel profiles and glass paneling.

In addition – to avoid mills or other clearing tools – a well-integrated five meter long ladder was incorporated into the design for climbing up to clean the glass partition.

Made from simple, economical, and unobtrusive materials, the new structures were intentionally designed to remain understated.

Set against the original historical features and tones of the house on Prague’s Vyšehrad, a symmetrical arrangement of built-in cupboards punctuates either side of the living space.

With five meters of ceiling height at its highest point, the 75-square-meter apartment’s open floor plan allowed additional furniture — as well as the sloping roofline — to be utilized for hidden storage: besides the ladder, a perfectly-fitted fridge and closet are among the kitchen’s concealed elements.

To improve the deteriorated space’s carbon footprint and efficiency, a terrace was added in the eave on one side of the sloped roofline.