3. Etáž | henkai architekti

Studio: henkai architekti
Author: Daniel Baroš, principal architect
Michal Nejezchleb, principal architect 

The space of 3. Etáž (“3rd Storey”) is designed primarily for enterprising and creative individuals and small teams. From the first, we planned to create individual separated studios with a dignified entrance space and a generous common area for socializing and the building of social ties between the tenants. A unique approach for the space of this type in Rožnov.

The emphasis was put on the simple, financially modest, and yet original architectural representation of the interior. The simple industrial architecture of the building from 1930s linked with new performance requirements creates the clear and utilitarian conception of the layout. The main area consists of a foyer with auxiliary rooms and sanitary facilities. A place to socialize, relax or organize a meeting. The foyer directly leads to a double-loaded corridor. The walls between the studios and the corridor are intentionally broken by small windows. During the day, the east and west orientation of the building creates the play of low sunlight in the corridor. Thus the corridor is lit by daylight, despite being located in the middle section. It also serves as a kind of gallery of the individual studios with an option to peek inside. The studios, offering the exceptional elevated space with the view of the mountain Radhošť and the town of Rožnov, serve as artist studios, offices or small workshops. Thanks to the investor’s generosity, the first big studio was transformed into a living space, the gallery to host art exhibitions, chamber concerts and lectures. The gallery connects 3. Etáž with the community.

The tangible ambiance of 3. Etáž originates from the important spirit of an old textile factory, preserved old oiled timber floors, a legible reinforced concrete skeleton and big windows. The main advantages of 3. Etáž are spaciousness, lightness, the above-standard entrance space and common area, the modest interior architecture highlighting the values of the original construction and the strengthening of social contact between the tenants and between the tenants and the world.