• Architectural Project

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There are no coincidences. Every place carries its own history and identity. In 2016, artists H&D purchased a house in Prague that originally contained the studios of sculptor, glass artist, and medal designer Jiří Harcuba, as well as sculptor Aleš Grim.

The vision was to create a home where family life, creativity, and everyday living could exist together. The views towards Veleslavín, with the striped chimney of the heating plant, recall the poetic cityscapes of Czech painter Kamil Lhoták.

The studio building was designed in 1968 by architect Miloslav Matašovský and has a distinctive architectural character. Later, Jiří Harcuba added light steel windbreak structures. Although they were originally intended as protection against thieves, they also gave the house a light appearance inspired by East Asian architecture. Over time, the garden developed into an exotic landscape filled with different varieties of mountain pines.

The house required a major renovation because it did not meet modern energy standards. The design carefully combined the original architecture with new additions. The project included a large ground-floor extension, a new dormer with views, a completely reorganized floor plan, a new staircase, and new openings connecting the house with the garden. The landscape was also redesigned with a new garage, guest accommodation, and a productive garden above.

The owners' interests in art, music, cooking, and alternative culture influenced the interior design. Two studio spaces were connected to create one generous living area centered around a concrete fireplace with an open fire, a heat-storage stove, and a professional kitchen.

A new outdoor gallery links the living space to the lower garden and the upper terrace. A guest room was added beside the studio, while the new central staircase connects to a smaller studio in the attic. The lower level was redesigned to include children's bedrooms, the parents' bedroom, bathrooms, and technical spaces.

A cabinet of curiosities separates the living area from the staircase, creating dramatic light and shadow. A hidden mirrored bar beneath the stairs adds another layer of discovery. Glass artworks, lighting fixtures, and an etched stained-glass window in the bathroom reflect the artistic history of the house.

Music flows through the interiors, from the living room to the studio. The house continues to preserve the spirit of its past while supporting a new generation of creativity. Today, it remains a place where art, friendship, and everyday life come together in an atmosphere of openness and freedom.