Project Name
Long Story Short
Posted in
Hostels, Design, Interior Design
Designer
Denisa Strmiskova spatial design
Year
2017
Detailed Information
Project NameLong Story ShortPosted inHostels, Design, Interior DesignDesignerDenisa Strmiskova spatial design
Year2017

Derived from the rich history of both its site and layout, which is one long continuous hall, Long Story Short is a brand new hostel in Olomouc, Czech Republic that joins the dots between a historic and modern lifestyle.

Located on the first floor of a brick fort dating from the 1600's, Long Story Short was conceived by young businesswoman, Eva Dlabalova. Together with interior designer Denisa Strmiskova and the property owner, she rebuilt one whole floor of the extensive historical Podkova fortress building resulting in friendly and cosmopolitan accommodations for today’s nomads, as well as for more demanding guests.

The U-shaped layout of the hostel which coils around the building’s central courtyard offers accommodation in several dorm type rooms as well as private rooms, resulting in a total capacity of 56 beds. The private rooms offer a complex level of comfort, all with private bathrooms, including the wedding suite with its open-space bathtub. While the bigger dorm rooms - which see uniquely conceived sleeping zones - do not include private bathrooms, compensated however by well-equipped men’s and women’s shared bathrooms. In regards to public spaces, the reception, which serves as both a common room and a cafe, is the heart of the hostel.

Denisa Strmiskova. Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Denisa Strmiskova. Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

The whole concept was created from scratch, including all furnishings along with visual layout whereby the main idea was not only to highlight the building’s historical location but to embrace it with contemporary design. The project which spanned two years in the making now sees an organically arched hall, which leads from the reception to all of the rooms, which is different from every perspective and surprises guests constantly as they walk through it. The hall’s shape is also further enhanced by the inconspicuous yet sophisticated use of light while pure white plastering contrasts with black details as well as the carefully chosen pastel colors that have been used for upholstery on the intimately arranged seating.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

The majority of custom made furnishings, such as beds, mirrors, lamps, shelves as well as bathroom fixtures, were made to measure in cooperation with both local artisans as well as various brands. All of this is mixed together with classic modernist design elements from the previous century, chosen together with Miroslav Bednar from Prague’s Retroobjects shop, as well as with contemporary elegant details including Bakelite switches by Berker and lamps by Spanish brand Marset. The minimalist navigation system, which is based on the complex visual style of the hostel, was the brainchild of Czech graphic designer Jan Kosatko, while original artworks by Czech artist David Minarik can be found dotted throughout the hostel.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Photo by Josef Kubicek.

Long Story Short: A Historic Fort Becomes a Hostel in Olomouc, Czech Republic

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