Monolith Apartment II

Stepped Volumes Apartment II transforms a longtime office in a historic Prague 6 building into an upscale, two-bedroom residence. Original wood floors, glass doors, and a barrel vault remain integral to the design, while strategic insertions define a new spatial logic. Minimal demolition—removing a partition at the entrance and a section of floor for plumbing—preserves the apartment’s character and reclaims existing wood for seamless patchwork.

The client, an enterprising collector who frequently hosts gatherings, sought a comfortable yet impressive space that respects historic details while accommodating modern living. Alepreda Architecture’s “graft” approach introduces contemporary, standalone elements without overpowering the historic envelope. Four “inserted objects” drive the layout: a T-shaped volume at the foyer creates reading and writing space while splitting public and private areas, and a stepped bathroom block in the guest room cleverly incorporates a clerestory and storage. Two smaller volumes add closets.

Repaired and extended herringbone floors unify old and new, accompanied by Venetian plaster in gray and white for a subtly reflective, tactile finish. In the bathrooms, large-format porcelain tiles with marble-inspired prints mix with real stone accents like Verde Aver and Calacatta, balanced by warm walnut veneer. A wainscot of Frappuccino marble elevates the powder room.

Furnishings blend vintage and contemporary pieces—many collected by the owner over time—emphasizing natural materials such as leather, wood, and wool. A custom dining table by the studio anchors the living space, underscoring how a sensitive, “grafted” intervention can yield a modern apartment brimming with warmth and subtle historic echoes.