Cinderella in Prague, the rebirth of Seventh House in the heart of Prague

Respect for history and dialogue with the present

A bourgeois house from the second half of the 16th century, located in Piazza Waldstein in Malá Strana, has long awaited a sensitive renovation. The transformation of the historic gallery house, subject to monumental constraint, into modern apartments required the design of new internal layouts and the incorporation of contemporary elements. All this was carried out with the utmost respect for the building and under the supervision of heritage protection authorities by the design studio Formafatal.

The timeless charm of Malá Strana district

Every step in Malá Strana is steeped in history: Little Quarter Square, St. Nicholas Church, Waldstein Palace, and Prague Castle create a unique Genius Loci. The renowned Formafatal studio, known for modern renovation projects in harmony with the past, embraced the design challenge by incorporating new and enduring elements while blending them with the historical charm.
The client described the house as a Cinderella among the grand palaces, awaiting its liberation. This inspired a project that combines traditional natural materials, refined details and the restoration of historical construction elements, such as the original beams transported along the Vltava River over 200 years ago.

Architecture projects between tradition and innovation

The guiding principle of the restoration was to intertwine history and modernity. The historical elements subject to constraints were enhanced, while the new structures integrate with the existing while declaring their era. Full-height doors with concealed frames were introduced, a refined plaster fabion to conceal the installations, and custom details such as sandstone cornices, artificial stone washbasins, and glass ice inserts by artist Pavel Baxa.
The final layout includes three apartments per floor, each designed to offer contemporary comfort without losing the connection to the past.

The alchemical and poetic atmosphere

The project, called Seventh House, maintains an almost alchemical aura. The staircase is illuminated by lamps reminiscent of celestial bodies, whose "orbits" also decorate the hydrant covers. The circular wooden handrail, with integrated light, evokes the luminous trail of a meteor, symbolizing the passage of time.

Artisanal details such as handcrafted stuccoes, patinated brass lamps, and custom-made mailboxes complete the atmosphere. Thus, the Cinderella of Malá Strana finds her new life, projecting the history of the house into a new concept of modern living.