In the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia, a slice of modernist architecture is experiencing a profound and relevant renaissance. The iconic Metropol building, originally designed by architect Juraj Tvarožka in the mid-20th century, has been meticulously transformed by BEEF ARCHITEKTI into Metropol Coliving – a contemporary response to the pressing challenges of urban living and affordable housing.
Once a vibrant cultural hub famed for its underground cinema, drawing crowds near Medická Záhrada and Americké Námestie, the Metropol’s social DNA is being reawakened. Its conversion into a coliving residence consciously echoes its original purpose as a gathering place, reimagined for today’s societal needs. This project directly confronts the housing crisis prevalent in cities worldwide, where home ownership is increasingly out of reach, fueling the resurgence of flexible rental housing models and community-focused cooperative living principles.
Metropol Coliving offers 19 thoughtfully designed rental units, ranging from compact 16 sqm studios to more spacious 35 sqm apartments. This flexibility caters to diverse residents – individuals, couples, shifting family structures – seeking quality of life within the city core. Crucially, the project challenges outdated stereotypes about rental quality, demonstrating that affordability can coexist with exceptional design and dignity.
Central to the coliving ethos are the shared spaces. A communal kitchen, lounge (“chill-out zone”), and laundry room on the first floor are deliberately designed to foster interaction and cultivate social cohesion. This intentional community aspect addresses the isolation often felt in impersonal urban environments, offering a sustainable approach through resource and space sharing. BEEF ARCHITEKTI sees this as a natural evolution, a “continuation of Metropol’s historical function.”
The interior design masterfully balances heritage and modernity. Historical elements were meticulously preserved and celebrated. The distinctive ribbed concrete ceilings, painstakingly uncovered, now form dramatic, authentic focal points in the apartments, lending timelessness and unique character. The building’s original blue-framed windows – iconic markers of its past – have been retained, serving as a powerful visual bridge between eras.
A palette of neutral colors (beige, gray) provides a serene, adaptable backdrop, allowing residents to personalize their spaces without compromising the architectural integrity. Wooden floors introduce warmth and tactile contrast to the minimalist design, complemented by matte metal elements that add a subtle industrial nuance. Glass blocks in the bathrooms ensure secondary lighting and contribute a distinctive design feature, enhancing the sense of airiness within the functional, open-concept layouts.
Metropol Coliving stands as more than just a housing project; it’s a design-forward statement. By preserving its architectural legacy while embracing flexibility, community, and sustainability, BEEF ARCHITEKTI has crafted a compelling alternative for urban living. In a market defined by inaccessibility and high property prices, this transformation of a Bratislava landmark offers a dignified, socially conscious blueprint for the future of city dwellings, proving that innovative housing models can honor the past while serving the present.