Above the Horizon Iva Hajkova Studio

The Above the Horizon project transforms a panel apartment in Prague into an elegant retreat inspired by the horizon, the sea, and the energy of movement…

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From the architect: The apartment is located in a panel building with a beautiful view of the sky over Prague. Although the view is partly interrupted by a busy traffic artery, it also brings a unique energy and sense of movement that is captivating to watch.

In the design, we drew inspiration from both the wide horizon and the dynamic energy of motion. With input from our client, we translated these qualities into the world of sailing—surrounded by endless horizons, the blue sea, and the power of wind and movement. We worked with both colors and carefully chosen materials to capture this atmosphere and create an elegant, calming retreat in the heart of the city. That is why we named the interior “Above the Horizon.”

Our goal was to create an elegant atmosphere with striking contrasts—spaces that feel energizing yet soothing. We embraced the concrete inherent to the panel building rather than hiding it. After removing layers of old paint and plaster, we revealed and refined raw concrete surfaces. The wooden plank floor became our “deck,” the stage for everyday life. Shades of blue appear in the kitchen, library, and lighting—each slightly different, yet flowing into one another like the surrounding sea. In the bedroom, clay plaster represents the seabed or a beach we are sailing toward.

All of this is wrapped in a minimalist form—practical and functional—while keeping the deeper story hidden until it is discovered.

We also transformed the original three-room layout into a generous two-room apartment with a separate walk-in closet. The bathroom now features a spacious shower, while storage units were integrated around the wall-mounted toilet to maximize space. The walk-in closet provides ample storage, including a dedicated niche for a bicycle with charging capability, as well as a station for an electric vacuum cleaner.

The apartment is equipped with a modern smart home system and security features that enhance both comfort and safety. Privacy is ensured by interior and exterior blinds, and by replacing the original plastic windows with high-quality wood-aluminum triple-glazed ones, we significantly reduced noise from the busy city. The result is a quiet and peaceful space that feels pleasant even in the heart of a panel building.

Interior Design: Iva Hajkova Studio
Location: Prague, Czech
Year: 2025
GFA: 71 sqm
Lead Designer: Iva Hájková, Kateřina Šmardová
Design Team: Vlaďka Rosypálková
Photography: Radek Úlehla

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