Loft VNG 903, Vanguard’s flagship residence, is a striking blend of (post)industrial architecture and the spirit of early 20th-century modernism. Designed by S K U L L studio and brought to life by the artistic duo Matěj Hajek and Bet Orten, this space transcends conventional boundaries, functioning as both a living space and an art installation. Tailored for the imaginative “Globetrotter” — a visionary, time traveler, and creator of the future — this loft offers flexible spaces that effortlessly adapt to different moods, from formal settings to a club-like ambiance.
From the Architects | The design of Loft VNG 903—Globetrotter is imbued with the essence of an imaginary hero — a visionary, a time traveler, a globetrotter who traverses the spiral of the modern age with unwavering precision. Yet, his journey doesn’t tether him solely to the past; he possesses both the imagination and the means to co-create the contours of the future. The concept of “co-creation” is central to understanding the allocation of spatial functions.
The heart of this space is the expansive central living area. It aligns along a central axis, housing a kitchen with a bar island, a spacious dining/conference table, and a retractable projection screen that conceals the panoramic strip windows, offering a view of the covered parking garage (an area dear to the car collector he is).
Our imaginary hero’s life revolves around meeting and connecting inspiring individuals, where the excitement oscillates between formal and informal gatherings. With the last rays of the sun, the atmosphere seamlessly transitions from a representative setting to that of a vibrant club.
The loft’s defining characteristic is its expansive open space, where movable walls and curtains allow for flexible arrangements without compromising the sense of openness and airiness.
The built-in elements expand the living area and co-create the dynamics of the space. The floor serves as an elevated gallery—a bridge. It also accommodates a guest bed. Concealed within the bridge is a walk-through dressing room and separate facilities comprising a shower and a toilet.
The club lounge boasts a laid-back ambiance, featuring comfortable sofas, a coffee table, and a stylish geometric bookcase. Here, formality takes a back seat. The generously sized window and a glass door, allow for easy access to the veranda, effectively expanding the space. A warm red neon light enhances the relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of nocturnal drives through unfamiliar, bustling cities.
The loft’s open space is further enriched by the inclusion of an enamel bath nestled between the lounge and the bedroom. Our hero, The Globetrotter, is an unabashed connoisseur of comfort. Draped in a robe, he emerges directly from the bath through the glass doors onto the balcony, where he enjoys a glass of his favorite Boulevardier.
The spirit of the racing legend, Eliška Junková, imbues the entire loft’s design. It pays homage to the pioneering era of car racing, a time that profoundly influenced the loft’s atmosphere. The two daring interwar decades of the 20th century embodied an era of unwavering confidence, where individuals eagerly gazed upon a future full of promise, delving into novel technologies, and disregarding conventional limits. Modernism, futurism, and functionalism converge in fascination with clean lines, the kinetic energy of motion, aerodynamic forms, and rounded corners. The selection of fundamental materials — metal, concrete, wood, stone, and glass — likewise pays homage to classical modernity.
Photography by BoysPlayNice.
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