The Bakery conversion by BekArch is a residential project that reworks a neglected workshop located within the inner courtyard of a former bakery building in Prague’s Vršovice neighbourhood. The 58-square-metre one-bedroom apartment occupies a structure that previously functioned as storage, with the architects retaining its exposed concrete beam ceiling and original skylight openings. New glazing was added to the skylights, allowing daylight to define the interior layout. Rather than relying on solid partitions, the apartment is organised into zones shaped by light intensity across the plan.
At the centre of the living area, a metal mesh bicycle display acts as both storage and a reference to the occupants’ lifestyle. Rebar salvaged from the existing structure was reused to create custom door handles. Large windows replaced the original doors, and a lift-and-slide opening connects the living space to the courtyard terrace. Cemflow cement flooring runs throughout, while spruce bioboard is used in the kitchen and bathroom to balance the raw concrete surfaces.
Courtyard Apartment Conversions
BekArch Transforms a Bakery Workshop into a Prague Apartment
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Reuse of Micro-spaces - Converting overlooked ancillary structures into compact high-value residences reveals new market segments for infill housing and modular retrofit systems.
2. Light-defined Interior Zoning - Spatial organization guided by daylight gradients instead of fixed partitions enables novel façade-glazing strategies and dynamic interior products that prioritize visual openness.
3. Upcycled Architectural Hardware - Repurposing existing structural elements and salvaged materials into bespoke fixtures suggests opportunities for localized circular-supply chains and craft-led customization services.
Industry Implications
1. Residential Development - Small-scale courtyard conversions indicate a shift toward micro-unit offerings and mixed-use infill that reframe property value and densification approaches in established neighborhoods.
2. Material Suppliers - Demand for reclaimed rebar, specialty cements, and engineered bioboards points to potential product lines focused on low-embodied-energy materials and modular finish systems.
3. Urban Planning and Preservation - Integration of historic courtyards and former industrial support structures into contemporary housing highlights emerging policy needs around adaptive-use incentives and heritage-sensitive densification.