ING Real Estate is currently completing the loft flats in the former Holešovice Brewery complex. A show loft, in which people can come to see the unconventional and original loft-style living with their own eyes, opened in April in the brewery´s renovated historical fermentation building.
An original design
The brewery's original fermentation building essentially gave the architects from the renowned atelier CMC Architects an impetus for an original design. That is why they decided to place these attractive loft flats here, offering the opportunity to create a unique space in an industrial spirit.
"Loft flats offer up unconventional living spaces, which originated at the end of the 1960´s in New York´s artistic circles, where the local artists ascribed to the trend of studio spaces in abandoned factories and warehouses.
For many people today the concept of what a loft looks like is vague and indistinct, known only from American films. That was also one of the reasons that led us to open a show flat in a loft style. Here we can show people what exactly a loft space offers and they will be able to create a clear picture," ING Real Estate press spokesperson Renáta Kodadová stated.
The fittings of the show flat were designed by architect Evžen Dub from the CMC architects atelier and the interior was equipped with designer pieces and furniture from the Italian Berloni and the Swiss Vitra brands.
40 flats in building
The reconstructed historical building contains a total of 40 flats, of which 20 are loft flats and 6 are attic flats. On the second storey of the south wing of the building 6 loft flats will be located, measuring 76 to 88 m2 and with their original cast-iron columns preserved.
On the third storey of this wing there are 6 larger attic flats measuring 131 m2 to 177 m2 with visible rafters and metal joining beams. These flats always feature a living space and sanitary facilities on the lower part and a quiet zone for sleeping is situated in the gallery above.
These expansive attic flats give ample space for individual expression. The building´s other (west) wing has been given over to 7 two-floor lofts with an atrium and loggia and with a total area of 135 m2 and to 7 lofts that also have an expansive roof terrace on the third floor.
These three-storey lofts are extraordinary and let their owners create a distinct home along their own lines. The first floor of each loft has an entry hall/atrium, study, large living area with a kitchenette, loggia, storage space, closet, bathroom and toilet.
The gallery is accessible by a spiral staircase and an open bedroom is located here. Half of the loft flats have a second spiral staircase as part of the entrance atrium. This staircase leads to the 3rd floor of the loft to a roof garden with an area of 132 m2.
The high glass walls, a typical loft feature, offer a view of either the inner courtyard or the quiet adjacent streets, according to the orientation of the flat. The building has a roof extension in which 14 standard flats with a layout of two or three rooms plus a kitchenette are located.
Untraditional and interesting living
"Our experience shows that lofts are primarily prized by people with a desire for untraditional and interesting living spaces.
For example artists or creative people who want to let their fantasy run wild when furnishing their new home, creating an entirely unique space. We also see interest among managers and businessmen, who want to live in comfort, though in entirely atypical and original spaces," Renáta Kodadová added.
Several non-residential spaces meant for shops have been built on the ground floor of the building with the lofts. 9 retail units with an average area of 123 m2 are supplemented across a hall by 6 spaces with an area of around 125 m2, which can be used as storage facilities.
The shops, like the residential area, are designed to be unconventional and interesting. They feature arched ceilings and the entire space is a little reminiscent of a wine cellar, though with access to daylight.
The entrances and shop display windows lead to a courtyard with a green area and a fountain. The small shops or workshops will certainly help to make this lively centre of the area complete.
ING Real Estate is implementing the A7 Holešovice Brewery project in Holešovice as part of a multifunctional city centre. The complex extends between U Průhonu, Komunardů, U Uranie and Na Maninách streets on the grounds of the former První pražský měšťanský pivovar brewery.
Modern buildings with 115 flats and the reconstructed brewery fermentation building with 40, mainly loft, flats of an industrial nature were built here. The project is sensitively incorporated into the original buildings of Prague´s Holešovice district and it represents a symbiosis of historical buildings and modern architecture.
It is complemented with green spaces and provides all its inhabitants a peaceful living space of a high standard not far from the centre of the capital city with all the civic amenities within reach. The reconstruction of the original buildings and the construction of the new blocks of flats started at the end of 2006.
At the current time the residential buildings Plaza, with its Tower, and Rezidence have been completed and their new owners have moved in. The last building with the lofts is now being completed.
About ING Real Estate
ING Real Estate is an integrated real estate group focused on the investment management, finance and development of quality real estate in all major global markets with a total portfolio of over EUR 100 billion.
ING Real Estate ranks among the world´s leading real estate companies and serves a broad client base from offices in 22 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.
ING Real Estate is part of ING Group, a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries.
With a diverse workforce of about 130,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.