ING Real Estate is currently completing the loft flats in the former Holeovice Brewery complex in Prague, Czech Republic. A show loft, in which people can come to see the unconventional and original loft-style living with their own eyes, opened in April in the brewery's renovated historical fermentation building.
The brewery's original fermentation building essentially gave the architects from the renowned atelier CMC Architects an impetus for an original design. That is why they decided to place these attractive loft flats here, offering the opportunity to create a unique space in an industrial spirit. "Loft flats offer up unconventional living spaces, which originated at the end of the 1960's in New York's artistic circles, where the local artists ascribed to the trend of studio spaces in abandoned factories and warehouses. For many people today the concept of what a loft looks like is vague and indistinct, known only from American films. That was also one of the reasons that led us to open a show flat in a loft style. Here we can show people what exactly a loft space offers and they will be able to create a clear picture," ING Real Estate press spokesperson Renáta Kodadová stated. The fittings of the show flat were designed by architect Even Dub from the CMC architects atelier and the interior was equipped with designer pieces and furniture from the Italian Berloni and the Swiss Vitra brands.
The reconstructed historical building contains a total of 40 flats, of which 20 are loft flats and six are attic flats. On the second storey of the south wing of the building six loft flats will be located, measuring 76 to 88 m2 and with their original cast-iron columns preserved. On the third storey of this wing there are 6 larger attic flats measuring 131 m2 to 177 m2 with visible rafters and metal joining beams. These flats always feature a living space and sanitary facilities on the lower part and a quiet zone for sleeping is situated in the gallery above. These expansive attic flats give ample space for individual expression. The building's other (west) wing has been given over to seven two-floor lofts with an atrium and loggia and with a total area of 135 m2 and to seven lofts that also have an expansive roof terrace on the third floor. These three-storey lofts are extraordinary and let their owners create a distinct home along their own lines. The first floor of each loft has an entry hall/atrium, study, large living area with a kitchenette, loggia, storage space, closet, bathroom and toilet. The gallery is accessible by a spiral staircase and an open bedroom is located here. Half of the loft flats have a second spiral staircase as part of the entrance atrium. This staircase leads to the 3rd floor of the loft to a roof garden with an area of 132 m2. The high glass walls, a typical loft feature, offer a view of either the inner courtyard or the quiet adjacent streets, according to the orientation of the flat. The building has a roof extension in which 14 standard flats with a layout of two or three rooms plus a kitchenette are located.
"Our experience shows that lofts are primarily prized by people with a desire for untraditional and interesting living spaces. For example artists or creative people who want to let their fantasy run wild when furnishing their new home, creating an entirely unique space. We also see interest among managers and businessmen, who want to live in comfort, though in entirely atypical and original spaces," Renáta Kodadová added.
Several non-residential spaces meant for shops have been built on the ground floor of the building with the lofts. Nine retail units with an average area of 123 m2 are supplemented across a hall by six spaces with an area of around 125 m2, which can be used as storage facilities. The shops, like the residential area, are designed to be unconventional and interesting. They feature arched ceilings and the entire space is a little reminiscent of a wine cellar, though with access to daylight. The entrances and shop display windows lead to a courtyard with a gre
