Modřany, a historically significant industrial district of Prague, is currently undergoing a transformative resurgence, with the Vanguard project spearheading this ambitious venture.

The Vanguard project by developer PSN repurposes an aircraft parts factory building of a once nationally strategic Microna company, which became a dominant district feature due to its massiveness and height.

Just as Microna played a pioneering role in the early aviation era of former Czechoslovakia, the Vanguard stands as a trailblazer for a novel architectural typology in the contemporary Czech Republic. It embodies exclusive loft living within a raw industrial structure, preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of its origins in its entirety.

The 14-story prefabricated steel and concrete structure houses 150 Shell & Core-style lofts ranging from 40 to 700 square meters. These versatile spaces are not limited to residential use; they offer a canvas for offices, art studios, or photography workshops. 

The project's distinctive design bears the imprint of renowned architectural studios: OOOOX studio, SKULL studio, Michaela Záhorovská, and Ivanka Kowalski. Petr Drexler materialized the vision of a unique loft house with a feeling of preserving the genius loci. Representing various lifestyles, the project features four designer lofts: The Globetrotter, The Woman, The Commuter, and The Family, as well as unique communal spaces.

Communal Spaces – Industrial Rawness with Luxury Amenities

Vanguard offers exceptional amenities and a strong sense of community to its residents. Studio OOOOX has meticulously designed the communal areas—the entrance lobby, wellness, and a communal terrace with a sauna providing panoramic views of Prague.

A representative main lobby with exposed concrete ceiling beams, a sculptural concrete reception desk, and a large vaxed steel backdrop integrating postal boxes and storage introduces Vanguard’s design philosophy – industrial rawness combined with timeless luxury.

The second inconspicuous entrance emphasizes the building's unique character—an underground tunnel, formerly an emergency exit, that leads to the basement-level movie room and wellness. OOOOX transformed the former fallout shelter into an unusual wellness experience, where the rawness of the massive concrete structure is most present. A displayed 4-ton blast door is a memento of the space's original function, now dominated by an aquarium-like, 18-meter-long pool.

The former Microna factory's structural properties have allowed the full utilization of high-load-bearing ceilings. Thus, a car elevator runs through the center of the building, allowing residents to park their motorcycles or cars right in front of their doorsteps, no matter which floor they live on. 

Following the example of five-star hotels, 24/7 concierge service elevates the development to new heights of luxury.

The Globetrotter Loft – Bridge Between Past and Future

The flagship loft, VNG 903 - The Globetrotter, designed by SKULL studio, transcends conventional boundaries and embodies the spirit of adventure and creativity. Crafted by the artistic minds of Matěj Hajek and Bet Orten, it acts as an art installation, seamlessly blending (post)industrial architecture with the spirit of early 20th-century modernism. This loft embodies modernism, futurism, and functionalism, converging in a celebration of clean lines, kinetic energy, aerodynamic forms, and rounded corners.

“The interior is imbued with the essence of an imaginary hero—a visionary, a time traveller, a globetrotter who traverses the spiral of the modern age with unwavering precision. Yet, his journey doesn't tether him solely to the past; he possesses both the imagination and the means to co-create the contours of the future. The concept of 'co-creation' is central to understanding the allocation of spatial functions," explains SKULL studio.

The central living area serves as the heart of the space, seamlessly transitioning from formal to informal settings. It caters to the protagonist's diverse needs, who relishes intellectual pursuits and social gatherings.

The loft's layout, characterized by expansive open spaces and flexible arrangements, reflects the protagonist's dynamic lifestyle. Movable walls and built-in elements enhance functionality without compromising the sense of openness and airiness.

The loft's atmosphere exudes a laid-back vibe reminiscent of nocturnal city drives, with warm red neon lighting and comfortable lounging areas. Thoughtfully integrated amenities, such as an enamel bath nestled between the lounge and the bedroom, offer moments of relaxation and contemplation, further enhancing the living experience.

"The interior design is thoughtfully conceived to accommodate a range of user activities. Our hero relishes the splendid isolation the loft offers, dedicating his time to intellectual pursuits. The absence of fixed partitions in the open-plan layout affords ample space for free-flowing thoughts. Periodically, the introverted recluse transforms into a host of gatherings. Opportunities to host social events in a club-style format are ingrained in the spatial layout's DNA. The dining area, conference space, bar, and lounge seamlessly unite as an organic whole. Guests find themselves at the center of the action in each of these areas. For private conversations or solitary moments, an elevated gallery floor provides a discreet vantage point to quietly oversee all the activity on the floor below," says SKULL studio.

The project's homage to Eliška Junková and the pioneering era of car racing adds a layer of historical significance, celebrating the timeless beauty of modernist aesthetics and materials. On the other hand, looking to the future, the loft embraces sustainability and innovation, incorporating recycled plastic panels and bold design elements that epitomize elegance and sophistication.

"Our hero isn't confined to the past; he embodies the contemporary ethos of recycling and upcycling, epitomizing elegance. The ceiling features light-transmitting panels in the dressing room, toilets, and doorway, serving as a prototype of recycled plastics—a bold exploration of novel solutions. And boldness, much like the timeless melodies of jazz on a vinyl record player, is among our hero's defining attributes," concludes SKULL studio.

The Family Loft – Where Children Come First

This 95 sqm loft designed by Michaela Záhorovská distinguishes itself through its family-oriented design, a departure from the typical layout of loft apartments. Unlike traditional lofts, which often prioritize open-plan spaces with minimal privacy, this loft was meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of a family, ensuring each member has their designated space within the loft.

"Currently, the children are the top priority for the loft owners. The individual parts of the loft are playful, appealing to the creative souls of children and directly influencing them, drawing them into endless play. In the eyes of the children, this loft is the best place on Earth," explains Michaela Záhorovská.

The loft's layout is flexible and adaptable, allowing it to evolve alongside the family's changing needs over time. From childhood to adolescence, the space can be easily reconfigured to accommodate the varying requirements of its occupants, ensuring that it remains a functional and comfortable living environment for years to come. 

“In the future, it may be possible to separate the children's rooms by adding a partition between the beds. By simple transformation, the children's rooms can become student quarters with a daytime area and a sleeping loft with a large bed for overnight guests. While the gallery currently serves as a playroom, in future stages of family life, it may be designated for hobbies. And once the children start flying the nest, the parent's bedroom can be expanded," describes Záhorovská.

Glass partitions visually divide the space, allowing natural light to flood every corner. Soft textiles ensure privacy and enhance acoustic comfort.

The kitchen, adjacent to the entrance hallway, features ample storage and connects seamlessly to a spacious dining area. In the living space, refurbished seating sets provide cozy relaxation, while a slide adds a playful touch for children. Beneath it, a hidden space offers a hiding spot or play area. Upstairs, the gallery serves as a vibrant children's room with a swing and a fold-down desk for occasional home office use.

The parents' bedroom, accessible via a glass partition, offers an intimate retreat with a contrasting colour scheme. Dark earthy tones create a tranquil atmosphere centred around an upholstered bed featuring a distinctive rooster motif, which blends seamlessly with the industrial aesthetic.

In essence, this loft challenges the conventional notion of loft living by prioritizing the familial experience. It creates a home that is both spacious and intimate, communal yet private—a truly exceptional space tailored to the modern family's lifestyle.

The Vanguard project is an evolution of modern living spaces, intertwining heritage with visionary design. Through its lofts like The Globetrotter and The Family Loft, Vanguard redefines urban lifestyle by offering luxurious, customizable living environments and fostering community and history. It bridges past and present, embodying an innovative approach that meets the dynamic needs of contemporary residents. This iconic transformation of an industrial relic into a beacon of sophisticated living sets a new standard in Czech metropolitan real estate.

PROJECT DETAILS

Studio

The Globetrotter Loft / VNG 903: S K U L L studio
The Family Loft: Michaela Záhorovská
Communal spaces, The Commuter Loft: OOOOX

Website:

skullstudio.net
www.zahorovska-architekt.cz
www.oooox.com

Social media:

www.instagram.com/skull_studio_prague
www.facebook.com/Skullstudio.net
www.instagram.com/zahorovska_architekt
www.instagram.com/oooox_com
www.facebook.com/ooooxarchitects

Client: PSN

Location: Vanguard Prague, Čs. exilu 1888, 143 00 Prague

Country: Czech Republic

Completion: 2023

Photographer:

VNG 903, Communal spaces: BoysPlayNice
Exterior: MadLove
The Family Loft: Mischa Babel

Collaborator:

Conversion architect: Petr Drexler
Project management and building contractor: Dasar PR