K BOTICI

Context:
The existing building is located in K Botici Street, Prague
10, on the cutting edge of an residential development and a vast park area. The boundaries of these properties are marked by the Botic Creek. The building is located on the South-Eastern corner of the block with its Eastern front facing directly the park. The area leads directly to the Vrsovicka Avenue, a backbone street to Prague downtown.
Original status:
The property was developed in 1970s, designed as an office building with offices along a central corridor. The floor heights are very low and there is no parking space available. Although reconstructed back in 1990s to serve the needs of the Bank of Commerce, it failed to meet current requirements. These are the main reasons why we proposed to our client to convert the building into a student’s home.
Concept:
The basic concept of the building consists of two main parts. The façade including the rooms behind create the ‘skin’ of the building, a neutral black-and-white exterior envelope, while the corridors and stairways are the building’s ‘arteries’. Invigorated with rich colours they become a vivid communication hub. The corner position of the building is highlighted on the top by a new double-floor oriel featuring study rooms – the knowledge centre of the building.
Layout:
Self-contained double rooms, i.e. each with a bathroom and a toilet, are placed in the existing reinforced-concrete pole span. Single and four-bed rooms, including rooms for students with physical impairments, are designed for end and corner positions. Each floor is equipped with a common kitchenette for cooking meals. A reception and a restaurant are available from the entrance lobby. The basement features a student’s club, fitness, laundrette and building services.