Chapman Taylor contributes to Smíchov City – Block SM8, shaping a new residential quarter in Prague
Chapman Taylor contributes to Smíchov City – Block SM8, shaping a new residential quarter in Prague
Chapman Taylor has played a key role in the design of SM8, the latest residential block within the landmark Smíchov City masterplan in Prague. Following the successful completion of earlier phases SM1/2 and SM3, SM8 continues the transformation of a former railway brownfield into a vibrant, mixed-use urban district designed for contemporary city living.
Image: Sekyra Group, a.s.
Comprising 12 residential buildings, SM8 forms an integral part of the wider Smíchov City vision, one of the most significant regeneration projects in the Czech capital. The development brings together high-quality homes, active ground-floor uses, and a generous public realm to create a dynamic and well-connected neighbourhood in the heart of the city. At street level, a lively urban mix of shops, services, and restaurants will animate the public realm, while tree-lined streets will enhance the microclimate and provide natural cooling and shade.
A contemporary interpretation of historic urban form
The design of SM8 draws inspiration from Smíchov’s distinctive 19th-century urban structure, characterised by orthogonal streets and perimeter blocks. This historic framework is reinterpreted through a series of individual buildings, each with its own identity, scale, and architectural language. Chapman Taylor collaborated with A69 – architekti, edit!, and LZ ateliér, with each studio designing separate buildings arranged to create a varied and cohesive streetscape.
Image: Sekyra Group, a.s.
Rejecting monolithic development, the scheme is composed of smaller residential sections with “staircase-type” layouts, promoting a more human scale and fostering neighbourly interaction. Richly articulated façades, varied materials, and carefully designed proportions contribute to a diverse architectural expression, echoing the character of a naturally evolved city.
Designed for community, comfort, and choice
At its heart, SM8 is designed to support a high quality of life. The internal courtyard forms a shared landscaped garden, balancing private, semi-private, and communal spaces to encourage social interaction, relaxation, and everyday wellbeing. The block is also ideally positioned adjacent to Madeleine Albright Boulevard, a new pedestrian green spine, and the future Alice and Anna Masaryk Park, further enhancing access to open space.
Image: Sekyra Group, a.s.
The apartments themselves offer a wide range of typologies, from compact studios to expansive family homes, ensuring accessibility for a diverse community. Most homes benefit from balconies, terraces, or front gardens, providing an important transition between private and public space. Upper-level penthouses feature generous terraces and panoramic views across the city, including towards Vyšehrad.
A new benchmark for urban living
SM8 exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban regeneration, combining architectural diversity, strong placemaking principles, and modern residential standards. With integrated amenities, sustainable design features, and a focus on community, the development sets a new benchmark for city living in Prague.
Image: Sekyra Group, a.s.
Through our contribution to SM8, Chapman Taylor continues to demonstrate our expertise in delivering complex, mixed-use environments that are both commercially successful and socially meaningful, creating places where people can live, work, and thrive.
