Prague-based architecture firm Byró Architekti recently completed the renovation of a 19th-century house in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic. The project involved adding vibrant joinery and unexpected openings to the original interior, creating a playful contrast.
The studio’s primary objective was to restore the house’s original character, which had been altered by previous renovations in the 1970s. By introducing new windows and openings, the project aimed to enhance the flow between internal spaces while seamlessly integrating new elements with the existing structure.
Byró Architekti emphasized the importance of rediscovering the house’s history and blending it with contemporary design to achieve a cohesive result. Rather than emphasizing the distinction between old and new, the studio focused on creating a harmonious fusion.
The house features a striking spiral staircase at its core, connecting different levels. Internal windows and glass-block walls were strategically placed to provide visual connections between living areas. Additionally, a new staircase with floating steel treads allows natural light to filter through from a skylight above.
On the ground floor, a spacious entrance hall leads to a music room and bathroom on one side, while utility spaces and an artist’s studio overlook a courtyard at the rear.
Throughout the project, light and color have been strategically utilized to establish distinct atmospheres within the space. While the exterior of the building maintains a modest appearance to blend in with the surrounding streetscape, a more vibrant color scheme is embraced internally.
The entrance hall showcases a chequerboard floor in a soft pastel-green shade that harmonizes with the painted joinery of the doors and windows. The balustrade and staircase treads are also finished in this color, creating a cohesive design.
Custom furniture pieces, such as a plywood shelving unit with a bold red metal frame, were specially designed by Byró Architekti for the project. The playroom features plywood cabinetry and wall paneling, complete with an internal clerestory window that allows natural light to filter into the adjacent bathroom.
In the main living area, a vaulted ceiling lined with plywood adds a sense of spaciousness. A concrete bench supports a tile-clad fireplace, with a window overlooking the stairwell. The kitchen boasts cabinets and internal doors painted in a soft blue hue, complemented by a porthole window offering a view of the spiral staircase.
The courtyard and garden at the rear of the building were also revamped as part of the renovation. This outdoor space can be accessed from the lower floor or through a new terrace connected to the main living area.