Rumburská Packwall Flat Renovation by Papundekl Architects: A Modern Transformation Using Recycled Materials

A Bold Apartment Renovation in Prague 9

Located in the heart of Prague 9, the Rumburská Packwall Flat Renovation by Papundekl Architects is a striking example of how thoughtful design and sustainable materials can redefine urban living. This 57-square-meter apartment renovation transforms a dated 1960s flat into a light-filled, contemporary space that blends functionality with aesthetic clarity.

Embracing Minimalism and Open Living

Prior to the renovation, the apartment was divided into small, cramped rooms separated by prefabricated walls. The architects made a bold move: eliminating all original internal partitions to create a single, fluid living area. The reimagined layout is now defined by two opposing facades—a full-width eastern loggia and a western wall lined with strip windows. This dual exposure floods the home with natural light and opens up the space dramatically.

Three Architectural Boxes Define the Interior

To organize the open-plan layout, Papundekl Architects introduced three minimalist box structures, each serving a distinct function:

• Box One: A compact bathroom unit enclosed with a glass wall. It includes a shower, sink, toilet, and washing machine, with additional storage for kitchen appliances such as a microwave and fridge.
• Box Two: A semi-transparent partition between the living and sleeping zones, featuring integrated wardrobes and shelving.
• Box Three: A visually dominant kitchen counter with a concrete worktop and central drainage column—the centerpiece of the apartment’s design.

Sustainable Design with Packwall Panels

One of the most remarkable aspects of this renovation is the use of Packwall, a recycled board material made from waste. All three boxes are clad in these colorful, eco-friendly panels, offering both visual interest and durability. Even high-contact areas like sliding kitchen doors and wardrobe panels benefit from Packwall’s resilience.

This innovative material choice not only promotes sustainability but also enhances the interior with a tactile, lively contrast to the light grey concrete flooring and minimalist color palette.

A Personal Narrative Behind the Design

The client, Jan Bárta, inherited the apartment from his parents after decades of unchanged living conditions. His son, an architect at Papundekl, took on the challenge of modernizing the space. Though the concept raised eyebrows among some of Jan’s peers, the result is a sophisticated, flexible home that caters to his love for cooking and art.

Jan now enjoys the apartment’s open layout, especially the kitchen zone behind the stove, and appreciates the easy-to-clean poured concrete floor, ideal for culinary work. He also finds joy in the panoramic views from the top-floor unit, with expansive glazing creating a strong sense of connection to the outdoors.

Blending Functionality and Beauty

The apartment’s reconfiguration is not just visually striking—it’s practical. Storage is cleverly integrated throughout the minimalist boxes, maximizing the usable area without cluttering the space. The interplay of natural light, recycled materials, and custom-designed fixtures creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that respects both heritage and modern living standards.

All Photographs are works of Alex Shoots Buildings