In Prague, Iva Hajkova Studio has transformed a panel apartment into a serene escape that looks toward the horizon for inspiration. Positioned above a bustling artery of the city, the residence finds beauty in contrast, between movement and stillness, concrete and wood, the hum of traffic and the vast expanse of sky.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The design takes cues from sailing, where life unfolds surrounded by water, wind, and endless horizons. This idea of flow and direction became the guiding principle for the apartment’s transformation. Blue tones reminiscent of the sea appear throughout, on kitchen cabinetry, shelving, and lighting, shifting subtly in shade to evoke changing depths. The floor, finished in warm wooden planks, acts as a deck that grounds the interior and connects each space through a continuous, tactile rhythm.
Hajkova’s approach reveals, rather than conceals, the raw material honesty of the building. After removing layers of plaster and paint, the team preserved the exposed concrete structure, refining its surface to bring texture and authenticity. In contrast, the bedroom’s clay plaster walls introduce warmth and softness, suggesting the seabed or a shoreline in reach. The balance between these materials lends the space an elegance that feels lived-in yet contemplative.
The layout underwent a significant reconfiguration: the original three-room plan evolved into a spacious two-room home with a walk-in closet and improved spatial logic. The bathroom now accommodates a generous walk-in shower, while integrated storage solutions line the walls around the toilet to maximize utility. The closet doubles as a multifunctional zone, complete with a niche for a bicycle charging station and a docking point for an electric vacuum cleaner, a practical nod to contemporary city living.
Technological upgrades bring quiet luxury to the space. A smart home system and advanced security features enhance comfort and safety, while new wood-aluminum triple-glazed windows significantly reduce urban noise. Combined with interior and exterior blinds, they ensure both privacy and thermal efficiency.
In “Above the Horizon,” the studio has crafted an environment shaped by movement and calm, where the energy of the city meets the stillness of the sea. The result is a home that captures the essence of living above the noise, in rhythm with light, air, and imagination.
