Refurb & Restore Issue 33 2023 | Page 70

NEON LIGHTS Kabelovna Studios

Kabelovna Studios are located in a former electrical cable-making factory in the district of Holesovice , in the heart of Prague , Czech Republic . The facility , which was constructed in 1908 , is a part of Prague ’ s workers ’ colony from the 1870s .
Since then , the area has developed around the former factory , while preserving the industrial atmosphere that exists within the city block that houses it . The hall in which the studios are set brings together several artistic entities : a fashion designer , a painter , a screen-printing production business , and lastly the recording studios , thus creating a vibrant creative environment .
This is a new concept for what the post-production and music recording environment could look like : studios that connect an authentic industrial aesthetic with natural elements of light that beam through large skylights and well-placed glass partitions . All while the restored brick walls of this former factory not only work perfectly with the acoustic requirements of a modern recording studio but completes the space beautifully . Not to mention , these walls are complimented with the diffusing properties of acoustic panels and by the five-meter tall , sloped ceilings .
The “ living room ” is dominated by a Bomma Orbital chandelier which floats above a massive wooden table which further enhances the sense of height in the space .
Entranced by the location ’ s strong character and genius loci , the architects decided to highlight it as much as possible . A new beige anhydrite floor unifies the space and allows the walls and other existing textures and elements to become the focal point . Black was used for the new modern inserts - such as the doors or technical equipment , but also to act as a background for the older furniture pieces and the customdesigned light fixtures .
The spatial organization is simple and intuitive . It starts with a large gathering room , or rather the studio ’ s living room which is located in the highest area of the hall . It welcomes guests with a reception table , a seating area , and a kitchen line , while the recording studios are accessible behind partially glazed doors .
The “ living room ” is dominated by a Bomma Orbital chandelier which floats above a massive wooden table which further enhances the sense of height in the space . The plants , which freely establish themselves over the black walls , separate the reception from the rest of the hall ’ s inhabitants and are housed in carefully concealed planters . Each recording studio is equipped with its own white voice-over booth .
The refurbished furniture and the overall composition of the space create an inspirational yet cozy atmosphere . The seating is a combination of recycled leather seats and black leather armchairs from the 1970s . The foldable seats , previously used in a real theater , are placed in the studio ’ s “ living room ” to encourage more guests to be a part of the inevitable parties .
The neon lights , designed by the architects , are also a nod to the studio ’ s function . A visual of the large warm sound waves that dominate the ceilings of the recording studios and constantly change as they move through the space . These delicate structures are adorned by a neon number assigned to each studio and invite the artists to explore the room .
www . b2architecture . eu
70 - www . refurbandrestore . co . uk