History with touches of modern design
The vicinity of VII HOUSE gained prestige during the time when Emperor Rudolph II brought his imperial court to Bohemia, and Prague became a European centre for art and education. Famous artists, scholars and astronomers worked in Prague and astrology experienced a rise in popularity. The name “VII HOUSE” is a playful combination of the actual house number and the seventh of the astrological houses, which were frequently used at that time for setting up horoscopes.
The original Renaissance town house of the 16th century received its Neo-Classical look during renovations at the beginning of the 19th century. The author of these plans was Josef Zobel, renowned Prague architect and court builder.
Two highly-respected architectural studios were invited to participate in the renovation of the apartments. Ing. Arch. Dagmar Šťěpánová of Forma Fatal studio was chosen as the principal architect of the project. The plans for the unique loft apartment and the interestingly segmented space on the ground floor of the building are handled by a team of architects at atelier SAD.
Delicately joining the past and present
Lesser Town Square, St. Nicholas Church, Sala Terrena, Wallenstein Palace and Garden, Prague Castle… The genius loci of the Lesser Town pulsates with each of our steps. History breathes from every street, entrance, courtyard - from each unique layer.
That much more beautiful, albeit more challenging, is the architect’s role of introducing something new, something permanent, even fateful.
The story of VII HOUSE has given us the opportunity to approach the entire project much like a work of art. We have set the building and its distinctiveness in the foreground. We strive to hear its uniqueness and to enhance it with delicacy and detail. We are creating in a modern way, while also respecting history.
We are accentuating the building’s architecture, returning to it authentic, natural materials in both traditional and contemporary ways. We are putting the building’s inimitable, historical construction elements on display. We are uncovering the unique half cylindrical beam ceiling structure. Lumber rafts used during its construction floated to Prague along the Vltava River more than 200 years ago! No less exceptional are the structures from the 16th century.
We are completing the whole picture with modern elements and compositions, such that the imaginary magical cord from antiquity, which winds through all of the Lesser Town, wouldn’t stop at the building’s gate, but would continue smoothly ahead in space and time. An occasional flash will invite the current residents to experience a connection with the rich history of old Prague.
Formafatal Architectural Team
Atelier SAD
Invitation to cooperate on the renovation project of the VII. House on Wallenstein Square was a great honor and a challenge for our studio.It is a rare opportunity to design new features for a house that has contributed to shape the Prague city centre for hundreds of years and which has always been able to adapt to the new era. During that time, it accumulated both high-quality architectural interventions, as well as less suitable modifications.
We are glad that we were able to breathe in new life not only into the magnificent attic space of the VII. House boasting stunning views of Prague Castle and Wallenstein palace, but also into unique spaces with original vaults on the lower floors of the house.
Our approach was based on respect to the genius loci of this beautiful house and on desire to make its spaces pleasant for modern and timeless living. Our design aimed to develop strong moments of the authentic architecture, such as vaults or multi-level layouts, and at the same time to emphasize openness, use of daylight and choice of classical building materials.
Our work is always characterised by focus on quality detail, whether it is construction, carpentry or blacksmith craft to achieve high level of workmanship. If all these criteria are met, all the elements fit together aesthetically and functionally, and the confident design radiates peace and humility.
If you are interested, please contact our exclusive representation:
+420 722 531 019
info@lexxusnorton.cz
- Sales office:
- Na Poříčí 2090/2, 11000, Praha 1
- +420 221 111 923
- ID: 26208024
- DIC: CZ26208024
