A creative architectural transformation has taken place in Bratislava, Slovakia, where Alan Prekop Studio successfully converted a disused office space into a flexible artist's apartment. The innovative design features a custom-built steel structure that maximizes space efficiency while serving as both functional furniture and artistic statement.
The apartment is located on the sixth floor of the iconic Kotva House, a historic building constructed in 1930 to house an insurance company. Originally designed as an artist's residency, the space showcases how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into abandoned commercial buildings. The conversion demonstrates the growing trend of repurposing urban spaces for creative housing solutions.
The centerpiece of the design is a sophisticated steel frame structure that occupies approximately one-third of the main living area. This custom-designed and built framework serves multiple functions, helping to organize the entire space efficiently. Beneath the steel structure, Alan Prekop Studio created a walk-in storage area complete with rails and shelves, separated from the main room by transparent plastic strip curtains that maintain visual connection while providing functional division.
The steel platform features a sleeping area with a double mattress positioned on top, accessible via a ladder constructed from steel tubing. What makes this structure particularly striking are the hot pink-colored connectors that break up the industrial steel components. These connectors were 3D printed by the studio specifically to provide enhanced structural security to the overall frame while adding vibrant splashes of color to the utilitarian design.
"The client wanted to have something pink, so we decided to accent these small details with bright pink color," explained Alan Prekop, the studio's founder and designer. "They are so important for the whole construction, so we wanted them to stand out!" This attention to detail demonstrates how functional elements can become decorative features when thoughtfully designed.
The frame itself is constructed from stainless steel sheets and tubing, creating a robust structure that supports both storage and sleeping functions. In the middle of the room, adjacent to the stainless-steel structure, the studio created an innovative, stage-like volume constructed from stainless steel plates and spruce timber with padded upholstery. This versatile piece consists of six individual tiltable segments that can be adjusted as needed, transforming from a flat guest bed into comfortable lounge seating when required.
Additional furnishings include wooden benches and more steel shelves positioned at the far end of the day zone. The room also features two bright blue wall-mounted radiators flanking the window, which complement the pink connectors in providing bold pops of color throughout the space. The restored parquet flooring used throughout creates an appealing contrast with the contemporary steel elements and the building's original concrete vaulted ceiling.
The entrance hall showcases additional space-saving innovations, doubling as a kitchen while featuring stainless-steel shelving that echoes the main space's design language. Recycled plastic terrazzo forms the kitchen units and worktop, extending to cover the floors before continuing into the bathroom. In the bathroom, this sustainable material was used to create both the shower enclosure and pedestal sink, demonstrating the studio's commitment to environmentally conscious design choices.
The bathroom design includes glass blocks lining the back wall of the shower, with six blue blocks positioned in the center to add color to an otherwise grayscale design scheme. This careful attention to color placement creates visual interest while maintaining the overall neutral palette that defines the space.
The interior's neutral and utilitarian design philosophy was intentionally created to make it suitable for its purpose as accommodation for local artists. The project's evolution reveals an interesting backstory about adaptability in uncertain times. "It was supposed to be a flat for a young couple, but after the political situation shifted in Slovakia, they decided to stay abroad," Prekop revealed. "Therefore, we have decided with clients that it will become an artist residency to help culture and young artists in Slovakia."
This transformation from private residence to artist residency reflects the project's deeper commitment to supporting Slovakia's creative community. The flexible design elements make the space suitable for various artistic practices while providing comfortable living accommodations. The neutral color scheme and modular furniture allow residents to adapt the space to their specific creative needs.
Architect Alan Prekop founded his eponymous design studio in 2020, focusing on a diverse range of projects including interior schemes, installations, bespoke furniture, and artist collaborations. This apartment project exemplifies the studio's innovative approach to spatial challenges and commitment to supporting creative communities through thoughtful design.
The project represents part of a broader trend in Slovakia toward adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Other notable examples include a former mill converted into a contemporary home by RDTH Architekti and a mixed-use venue created within a former heating plant by DF Creative Group. These projects demonstrate how architects across Slovakia are finding creative solutions to housing and cultural space needs while preserving architectural heritage.
The photography documenting this transformation was completed by Nora Saparova, capturing both the industrial aesthetic and the warm, livable qualities of the converted space. The images showcase how the bold color accents and varied textures create visual interest while maintaining the space's functional efficiency and artistic character.
