Modern residence under the eaves of a townhouse

Beneath the roof of a historic townhouse in South Bohemia, a modern space has taken shape in which material honesty plays the leading role. Designed by studio arkhe, this family residence combines high-end solutions with visual clarity beneath a newly built roof structure. Featuring four bedrooms and an open-plan living room and kitchen, the project, whose first concepts began taking shape seven years ago, now provides a generous home for a young family.
The design of the residence, which occupies the entire new rooftop extension and part of the original floor below, is the result of a collaboration that began in 2019. “The client initially approached us for a lighting solution. Gradually, however, the brief expanded into a comprehensive renovation of the basement and three existing floors, as well as the construction of a rooftop extension,” explains Anna Dománková, the project architect.
The result is an interior whose individual floors reflect the story of the building’s evolution. While the lower floors retain their traditional character, with decorative plasterwork and vaulted ceilings, the newly built extension embodies modern design and meticulous craftsmanship.

Authenticity as a Core Value
The apartment’s linear layout naturally guides its residents from gathering around the fireplace to complete privacy in the parents’ and children’s zones.
The character of the space is defined by its use of colour and the authenticity of its materials. Light tones in the communal area encourage activity, while black, complemented by natural materials and textures, creates a calming atmosphere in the hallway and bedroom. The warmth of exotic cabreuva wood flooring gives way to the timeless elegance of Italian marble in the bathrooms.
Morning coffee is served on an island made from a solid block of crystal. Backlighting brings out the stone’s organic structure, particularly in the cladding, creating a pleasing contrast with the industrial feel of the aluminium kitchen cabinetry. Even technical details leave the clean design undisturbed: the hob controls and power sockets are recessed directly into the solid stone slab.

Unseen Quality, Tangible Comfort
High quality and material honesty extend even to areas not immediately visible. “The client wanted to eliminate glued composite materials, so even the cores of the cabinetry are made from solid timber-core blockboard rather than conventional chipboard. It is a detail, but one that perfectly represents the standard of the entire interior,” comments Anna Dománková. “The wardrobe shelves are also covered in soft Alcantara, which is gentle on clothing, while its soft, non-slip surface makes everyday use more comfortable,” the architect adds.
All technical systems are also cleverly concealed. Electrical distribution boards, the laundry and the plant room are integrated into bespoke oak-veneered units, while a modern cooling and heating system is hidden beneath the plaster, as are all the speakers.
Several layers of lighting throughout the space complement the clarity of the design. Ambient lighting makes the high ceilings feel more intimate and highlights the geometry of the beams, while designer pieces by brands such as Occhio and Marset, along with a striking Bomma chandelier, lend this family apartment the atmosphere of a gallery.
This home beneath the roof of a historic building thus offers its residents a standard of quality that does not draw attention to itself. Instead, it naturally enriches everyday moments through a functional living space. Cutting-edge technology and sophisticated materials do not serve as a backdrop for show, but discreetly recede into the background, allowing what matters most to take centre stage: the undisturbed life of a young family.