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 the developer PSN repurposes an aircraft parts factory building of a once nationally strategic Microna company that, with its massiveness and height, became a dominant of the district.
Project Name: Vanguard – Revolutionizing Prague Metropolitan Living
Studio Name: The Globetrotter Loft
Project location: Vanguard Prague, Čs. exilu 1888, 143 00 Prague
Completion year: 2023
Photographer: VNG 903
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. The vision of a unique loft house was materialized with a feeling for preserving the genius loci by Petr Drexler. 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 brings exceptional amenities to its residents and offers a strong sense of community. 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 unique character of the building is also emphasized by the second, inconspicuous entrance – 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 the most present. A displayed 4-ton blast door serves as a memento of the original function of the space, now dominated by an aquarium-like, 18-meter-long pool.
The structural properties of the former Microna factory have provided the opportunity to fully utilize 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 doorstep, 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 traditional 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 traveler, 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, catering to the diverse needs of the protagonist, who relishes both 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 found in 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 layout of the loft is flexible and adaptable, allowing it to evolve alongside the changing needs of the family 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 parents’ bedroom can be expanded,” describes Záhorovská.
Glass partitions visually divide the space, allowing natural light to flood every corner. Privacy is ensured with soft textiles, enhancing 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, complete 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 color scheme. Dark earthy tones create a tranquil atmosphere, centered around an upholstered bed featuring a distinctive rooster motif, blending seamlessly with the industrial aesthetic.
In essence, this loft challenges the conventional notion of loft living by prioritizing the familial experience, creating a home that is both spacious and intimate, communal yet private—a truly exceptional space tailored to the modern family’s lifestyle.
