Apartments by EDIT!

Apartments by EDIT!

This faceted spiral staircase was created by Czech architects EDIT! to join two neighbouring apartments in Prague.

Apartments by EDIT!

The central staircase has oak treads and glossy white panels that reflect light through three storeys of the building.

Apartments by EDIT!

More extensions and renovations on Dezeen »

Apartments by EDIT!

More staircases on Dezeen »

Apartments by EDIT!

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Apartments by EDIT!

The following is from the architects:


Staircase by Edit! architects

We were commissioned to design a connection of two neighboring apartments in a residential building in Prague’s quarter Karlin, a former storehouse adapted by Baumschlager Eberle Architects in 2009. The clients liked the location and the character of the residential complex but required more space than the existing layout offered. Therefore they decided to purchase 2 neighboring apartments and connect them into a single unit.

Apartments by EDIT!

Our task was to design the connection of two triplex units on the upper floors of the building and thus create one large multi-generation apartment. As each of the original flats had its own staircase, one of them became naturally obsolete after the connection. In a further discussion with the clients we came to the agreement to replace both staircases by a new one that would serve better in relation to the changed layout.

Apartments by EDIT!

In addition the clients wished the new staircase to become the main feature of the interior that connects all three floors. At the same time, we were limited by the existing opening in the floor slab where the structure had to fit in order to avoid more demolition works. Finally we came to a concept of spiral stairs but broken into straight fragments. This way we were able to achieve the desired rotation in the given area. The bottom of the staircase follows the fragmentation and completes the overall sculptural effect, which – with a little exaggeration – recalls the Czech cubism.

Apartments by EDIT!

Besides offering attractive views from many different angles on every floor, the stairs also participate in light distribution thanks to the high glossy surface of lacquered MDF boards cladding. A light strip runs bellow the outer handrail providing an intimate illumination of steps that are made of oak wood to match the flooring.

Project architects:
Ivan Boros
Lenka Mikova

Cooperation:
Vitezslav Danda
Juraj Calaj
Matous Godik
Kristof Hanzlik


See also:

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House Antero de Quental
by Manuel Maia Gomes
Barker Residence
by Davidclovers
Gagosian Paris
by St John and Bodin

City Green Court by Richard Meier & Partners

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

Here are some images of an office building designed by American studio Richard Meier & Partners, currently under construction in Prague, Czech Republic.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

Called City Green Court, the building will feature glass façades interrupted by protruding vertical fins and balconies.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

The eight-storey building will be organised around a central open-air atrium with a large tree in the middle and a wall covered in plants at ground level.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

Walkways spanning across the courtyard will provide access routes from opposites sides of the building.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

This is the third building to be designed by Meier as part of a masterplan for the Pankrác Plains in Prague.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

Construction on the tower began in September last year and is due to be completed in 2012.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

Renderings are courtesy of Vize.

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City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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The following information is from the architects:


Richard Meier & Partners third building breaks ground in Prague, Czech Republic and receives LEED Platinum pre-certification

Richard Meier & Partners Architects is pleased to announce the construction of City Green Court which has recently started last September 2010. This is RM&P’s third building within the Master Plan of Prague 4- Pankrác that began almost a decade ago with a local Czech developer and named the CITY Project. Based on RM&P’s Master Plan of the superblock on the Pankrác Plains, this once neglected area of Prague has now been transformed into a multi-functional, vibrant and revitalized business, commercial, and residential district filled with green public spaces and amenities.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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City Green Court has been modified and re-designed to the new owner Skanska’s sustainability goals and high standards to achieve the highest level of LEED certification. The project has recently received a LEED Platinum Pre-certification. With City Green Court, Richard Meier & Partners completes the northwestern corner of the superblock along M. Pujmanové and Hvĕzdova Streets with a cluster of three buildings. Conceived as a geometric volume in dialogue with the near context, City Green Court also offers respected contrast to the surrounding buildings. Like its earlier siblings City Tower and City Point, it is inspired by the language of Czech Cubism with an expressive façade that responds to issues of conservation and sustainability articulated with forms reminiscent of this avant-garde movement.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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When completed in early 2012, it will be a welcomed and key addition to the Pankrác superblock. “We are working together to make City Green Court a benchmark for green building design in the Czech Republic, said Richard Meier. “This assignment has been particularly challenging as it also meant addressing the historic beauty of Prague and at the same time creating a modern image of the City for its future.” Distinctive vertical solid panels with fins angled according to the sun’s orientation are integrated into the design of the curtain wall, emerging from both the south and west facades to minimize solar heat gain and to provide balanced shading and comfort within the interiors while maximizing daylight and views.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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In contrast, the north and east facades do not need solar protection: shading is unnecessary to the north, and City Tower, the adjacent high rise standing on the neighboring site shields the building to the east. White spandrel glass replaces the fin panels producing facades which are calm, sleek and uniform. The four facades when juxtaposed create a harmonious and dynamic envelope that can be perceived differently from close and distant vantage points. The eight-story building is organized around a central sky-lit atrium surrounded by highly efficient office floor spaces. To the south, a grand canopy marks the formal entrance to the building that leads into a single height lobby which then opens into the multi-story atrium.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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Atop the seven office floor plates, the partial mechanical penthouse level is covered with an extensive green roof and a skylight. Nestled in the atrium is a singular black olive tree and green ivy wall, with bridges spanning above from one side of the space to the other while a free standing stair connects the first four floors promoting movement and interaction, and encouraging less use of elevators. The exterior and interior of City Green Court are intertwined visually and physically with landscape elements spilling into and reappearing in the atrium.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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“Skanska Property Czech Republic, our Associate Architect CUBOID and our local consultants in Prague are fast becoming experts in green building design,” said Partner in Charge Dukho Yeon. “With its tautly composed form and elements, City Green Court embodies a certain discipline and restraint; designed within the framework of Skanska’s green initiative. We hope that we continue to educate each other and influence future development with a critical outlook on architecture and social responsibility.” City Green Court is expected to achieve LEED platinum certification in the Czech Republic by drastically reducing energy consumption.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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In addition to the very efficient building envelop, some of the most important measures towards LEED certification include natural ventilation of the atrium during the summer, state-of-the-art mechanical systems, reduction of water runoffs and storm water collection, green roof, indoor air quality control and the use of local and recycled materials.

City Green Court by Richard Meier and Partners

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“We are proud to cooperate with Richard Meier & Partners Architects on the redesign of City Green Court to meet the growing interest in green, modern and flexible office space that offers a stimulating work environment,” said Britta Cesar, Managing Director of Skanska Property Czech Republic, and continued: ”Together with the enthusiasm and commitment from Richard Meier & Partners Architects we managed to achieve LEED platinum Pre-certification.”

“Above all we hoped this Master Plan for the Pankrác Plains would be a catalyst for growth, said Richard Meier. “After 10 years of hard work and dedication we are now seeing the result – which is an incredibly robust neighborhood, a new urban fabric rich with activity, and an optimistic view of urbanism for Prague.”


See also:

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Office building by de Carvalho and Palmero CabezasCentral Business District Wenzhou by Henn ArchitektenCrystal Clear by C. F. Møller
& Kristin Jarmund Arkitekter

Martin Stranka

Messenger

Gritty photography from Prague.

They’re very movie-poster-esk, it’d be great to work with them. The compositions are dramatic and textured, leaving a comfortable amount of visual space. Nice work Martin, and thanks for the link.

Not gritty, but still really interesting.

Kanye West – Runaway

A l’occasion de son futur album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” prévu pour fin novembre, l’artiste américain Kanye West vient de réaliser son premier film d’une durée de 35 minutes. Un mélange très créatif de titres exclusifs et de scènes illustrant parmi d’autres le titre Runaway.



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Previously on Fubiz

Mapping : The 600 Years

Une superbe projection afin de célébrer l’anniversaire et les 600 ans de la tour de l’horloge astronomique, situé sur la place de l’hôtel de ville de Prague. Un jeu de lumiéres en mapping réalisé par The Macula, composé de Michal Kotek et Lukáš Duběda. A découvrir en vidéo.



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Previously on Fubiz

66 Gallery and Botas Concept Store by A1Architects

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Czech architects A1Architects have completed 66 Gallery and Botas Concept Store, a combined art gallery and shoe store in Prague. (more…)

Lamp Love by Klára Šumová

Czech designer Klára Šumová has designed a wooden lamp where the turned base emerges from a raw tree branch. (more…)

Words Create Worlds

Une campagne très réussie pour la boutique de livres Anagram, installée dans la ville de Prague. Une baseline simple mais efficace “Words create Worlds” pensée et produite par l’agence de publicité Kaspan. Plus d’images dans la suite de l’article.



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CraftDesign by OKOLO

Work by Czech designers including Maxim Velčovský will be displayed alongside tools used to make the pieces at an exhibition in Prague next week, curated by Czech collective OKOLO. (more…)