Apartment of Martin Koplik

Martin Koplík is a Brno-based local historian and guide whose deep connection to architecture began in childhood, when he was taken around the city by his grandfather, a builder by profession. His major role model in popularising Brno’s history and architecture is the historian Milena Flodrová, whose ability to share knowledge inspired him to pursue his own guiding practice. He currently lives in a family apartment in Brno, which is not only his home but also a tangible reflection of the city’s history.

The building in which the apartment is located was constructed in 1941 as accommodation for clerical staff of the Brno textile factory Kemka. This link to the textile industry symbolically reflects Koplík’s professional focus, including his involvement in the Brno Industrial project, which maps the rich history of the so-called “Moravian Manchester”.

The Koplík family has been connected to this space since 1956. His grandparents originally lived in the apartment, and both his mother and aunt grew up there. This continuity, together with the childhood memories the author associates with visits to his grandparents’ home, forms an intangible yet essential value of the place.

The interior is conceived as a “home of an art lover”, where respect for history meets a distinctive personal aesthetic. The uniqueness of the space lies in the preservation of as many original craft elements as possible, including doors, fittings, and wooden floors. The furnishings combine various styles, with antique pieces complemented by photographs and objects with personal stories, transforming the living space into a genuine home.

Last year, the apartment underwent a sensitive renovation, approached by its owner with great respect for the original architectural design. The aim of the refurbishment was not to create a sterile museum-like space, but a harmonious environment in which the history embedded in the four walls intertwines with everyday life and new stories.