Harfa Rooftop Extension: Redefining Urban Rental Housing in Prague
Matěj Šebek architekti revitalizes a Vysočany apartment building through a unique extension project.
1Project Overview and Scope
The Harfa Rooftop Extension project, led by Matěj Šebek architekti, encompasses a total area of 298 square meters. Completed in 2026, the development focuses on the revitalisation of an existing apartment building located in the Vysočany district of Prague. This architectural intervention aims to redefine standard urban housing models within the Czech capital.
2Challenging Developer-Led Models
A primary objective of this project is to question how urban apartment buildings can be developed without becoming a generic developer product. By prioritizing a distinct architectural approach, the team seeks to offer an alternative to the mass-market rental housing typically found in Prague, focusing on quality over standardized, profit-driven residential construction.
3Collaborative Design Team
The project was authored by Matěj Šebek, with Rozalie Domoráková serving as co-author. Structural engineering requirements were handled by Jan Kuchař, while Filip Hauser contributed the graphic design elements. This multidisciplinary team worked together to ensure the extension integrated seamlessly with the existing structure while maintaining the project's unique design intent.
4Material and Construction Partners
The construction process involved several key manufacturers and suppliers, including Ikea and Lukáš Koubek. Global Agent acted as the general contractor for the site, managing the complex logistics of a rooftop extension. The project utilized approximately two hundred tons of materials, reflecting the significant structural demands of expanding an existing urban apartment building.
5Contextual Urban Revitalisation
Located in Prague 9, the project serves as a case study for urban densification through rooftop extensions. By revitalising older housing stock rather than pursuing new-build developments, the architects address the need for modern rental spaces in established neighborhoods. This strategy preserves the character of Vysočany while increasing the building's overall residential capacity.
6Visual Documentation and Records
The architectural documentation of the Harfa project was captured by photographer Radek Šrettr Úlehla. These images provide a visual record of the extension's integration into the Prague skyline. The project was officially published on October 18, 2026, and is indexed under the ISSN 0719-8884, marking its contribution to contemporary residential architecture discourse.
7Technical Execution Challenges
Executing a 298-square-meter extension on an existing roof requires precise structural engineering to manage load-bearing capacities. Jan Kuchař’s structural design ensures that the new residential units meet modern safety standards while respecting the original building's integrity. The use of specific material suppliers highlights the logistical coordination required for such urban interventions.
8Future Implications for Housing
The Harfa Rooftop Extension signals a shift toward more thoughtful, architect-led residential development in Prague. By avoiding the pitfalls of developer-driven products, the project demonstrates how design-focused interventions can improve rental housing quality. Future urban projects may look to this model as a viable path for sustainable, high-quality densification in dense city centers.