Concrete, metal and open spaces - what is the magic of loft living and what can an abandoned Prague factory offer?
Concrete, exposed brick walls and, above all, extra-high ceilings and open living spaces that are flooded with light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows - this is the essence of loft living. In fact, the term "loft" itself refers to the word "air", which in fact perfectly corresponds to the basic essence of this increasingly popular type of housing today: generous living spaces, usually converted from warehouse or factory space.
Today, loft living seems to be the pinnacle of modernity and a creative approach to showing respect for old disused buildings and understanding living spaces. It is no coincidence, then, that the roots of loft living can be traced back to artists - it was artists who began using their studios and studios for housing more than four decades ago. Specifically in the SOHO district of New York, which is associated with the first beginnings of this specific type of housing, artists showed the world what untapped potential was hidden in abandoned industrial buildings. In their interpretation, lofts eventually became, to a certain extent, a lifestyle reflecting a simply unbridled artistic spirit.
It is perhaps surprising that in their early days, lofts certainly did not inspire the enthusiasm they do today - even before they gained worldwide attention, they were despised by many - simply as "warehouse living". Since then, however, loft apartments have morphed into many different forms - although their basic essence remains the same, they can be open completely, or they can also have walls to create specific zones for work or relaxation, for example.
In terms of interior design, loft apartments are therefore an endless challenge, but also a stimulus for all creative souls. Simply put, the loft trend has completely changed the existing standards in housing and brought a completely different dimension to interiors. And after the world's metropolises such as New York, London, Berlin or Sao Paolo in Brazil, loft living is now penetrating Prague.
World living in a picturesque part of Prague
While the La Fábrica project in Barcelona has transformed a disused cement factory and its silos into an architectural studio as well as unique family housing, Berlin is making the most of its industrial past - and entire neighbourhoods are coming to life under the hands of architects. Although loft-type apartments are of course not new to the Czech real estate market either, only in a minimum of cases are those lofts that are created in direct continuity with their former predecessor - and thus really make use of industrial and long-abandoned buildings. However, this is certainly not the case for the loft housing of the VANGUARD project. It fully honours the basic essence of the whole concept, as it is being built in the former Microna aeronautical instrument factory in Prague's Modřany district. The ceilings, which exceed four metres in height, provide a truly generous space for the realisation of countless design visions.
The concept of the unique loft housing was created by Ing. arch. Petr Drexler, who also honours the industrial genius loci, and the ID_arch studio. The interior of the model lofts is the result of the work of two other renowned architectural studios. The new owners can thus be inspired by the professional design, or they can take the final form of the entire loft into their own hands. De facto, they can become the "artists" themselves, longing for the freedom of life. The choice of specific spaces is then really wide - and can be adapted to who they are intended for. The apartments start with a floor area of 40 metres, but there are also some that extend to 630 square metres. The spatial variability also allows for a variety of functional uses - and not necessarily just housing.
Although loft living naturally honours the individuality of its owners and residents, the VANGUARD project also incorporates sophisticated facilities - from reception and concierge services to a full wellness area with a swimming pool, saunas, massage and fitness facilities and a laundry room. All of this is located in a former underground bunker, which gives the whole area a unique atmosphere. There are also places designed for meeting and leisure - roof terraces with barbecue and dazzling views of the river and the surroundings of Malé and Velké Chuchle or the VANGUARD Cinema Room will be available to everyone.
When living turns into living space
Of course, lofts are not for everyone - but their concept will undoubtedly appeal to those who are close to free-thinking, freedom and simply unconventional approach to something as "ordinary" as living. For them, the VANGUARD project definitely has something to offer. And perhaps, in the end, others will come to like these "sprawling" spaces - albeit thought out in detail. Especially if they see the uniqueness of these lofts for themselves.
