Nestled within Bratislava’s “500 flats” settlement—a remarkably preserved 1950s enclave surrounded by the city’s modern financial district—the IO apartment by Alan Prekop Studio offers a masterclass in historic building renovation. Occupying the fifth floor of a six-story block, its elevated position is harnessed through expansive east and west-facing windows, bathing the interior in dynamic, all-day natural light and forming the foundational concept for this radical transformation.
Originally a segmented three-bedroom flat burdened by a dark, disconnected living area, the reconstruction aimed for liberation. Alan Prekop meticulously stripped the space back to its essential structure, preserving only the crucial carrier walls. This bold move unlocked a seamless, 45-meter flow from the western to eastern facades, converting the layout into a luminous open-plan living space perfectly suited for a couple or small family. Rooms are defined not by traditional partitions, but by the intelligent use of space and materials.
The undisputed heart of the IO apartment is a powerful architectural gesture: a central carrier column dramatically integrated with a concrete beam featuring a striking circular aperture. This sculptural element became the project’s “iconic center,” anchoring the entire loft apartment disposition and dictating a harmonious spatial rhythm around its bold, raw form.
Material honesty is paramount throughout. Stainless steel defines key elements – windowsills, the sleek kitchen bar, and the rim of the circular portal. Galvanized sheet metal seamlessly wraps the compact bathroom and toilet, completely concealing the doors to create a singular, monolithic volume that appears almost embedded within the open space. This choice reinforces the minimalist interior aesthetic.
Championing sustainable interior design, Alan Prekop extensively incorporated recycled materials destined for landfill. Most prominently, ceramic tiles salvaged from waste collection sites clad a remarkable six-meter-long kitchen bar. Below, robust shelving utilises recycled concrete blocks and vibrant blue glass. Consciously avoiding built-in furniture to enhance the sense of openness, an open wardrobe strategically marks the transition near the bedroom entrance.
The sole element providing separation is an ingenious wooden and glass partition replacing a former solid wall. This elegant solution masterfully balances the desire for expansive open-plan living with necessary privacy. In “daytime mode,” the bedroom visually merges with the main space; come evening, closing the partition and drawing curtains creates a secluded, intimate retreat. This exemplifies thoughtful adaptive reuse of the existing structure.
The resulting Slovak design is a sensory experience. Sunset light dramatically interacts with the textured metal surfaces, and the central circular aperture frames captivating, ever-changing views. The IO apartment stands as a radiant testament to the power of minimalist interior principles—raw, recycled, and profoundly connected to its unique context—proving the immense potential within Bratislava’s overlooked historic building renovation sites.