In a city where historic apartment buildings dominate the skyline, space-saving design is often a luxury. But what if an ordinary 82-square-meter flat could offer the comforts of a family house? That’s the challenge No Architects embraced with More Than Meets the Eye, a radical reimagining of a century-old Prague apartment that defies expectations.
Originally a typical three-room layout with a dark, cramped hallway, the apartment has been transformed into a bright, functional home featuring an entrance hall, two children’s rooms, a living room-library hybrid, a spacious kitchen with seating for eight, two bathrooms, a sauna, and a dedicated workspace—all without expanding the footprint. The project proves that intelligent designcan unlock hidden potential in even the most conventional spaces.
The key was rethinking the apartment’s circulation. The architects dismantled the traditional “three-room” structure—a common but inefficient layout in Czech housing—and replaced the dark central corridor with a long, light-filled hallway. This new axis connects all living areas while doubling as a seating nook and storage hub. To enhance natural light, a glass wall separates the entrance hall from the kitchen, where a round dining table acts as the heart of the home.
Spatial hierarchy was carefully considered: children’s rooms face the quiet courtyard, while the parents’ bedroom and workspace overlook the street. The living area, elevated on an oak-floored podium, functions as both a lounge and a library, with built-in shelves framing the space. Clever details abound, from the continuous wooden plinth that transitions into furniture to the camera obscura effect created by a small window between the kitchen and hallway—a poetic nod to the play of light and shadow.
Despite its compact size, the apartment avoids feeling cramped. Custom storage solutions, natural materials, and a restrained palette of whites and beiges create a sense of warmth and generosity. The inclusion of a sauna—an unexpected luxury—demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate everyday living.
More Than Meets the Eye challenges preconceptions about small-space living. By prioritizing layout innovation over superficial aesthetics, No Architects have crafted a home that feels expansive, functional, and deeply personal—proving that even the most ordinary apartments can hold extraordinary possibilities.