Living above the city

The existing flats were renovated with restraint. The new bathrooms were ‘set’ in a former passageway and are clearly recognisable as a later addition. Further measures were limited to the repair and refurbishment of the structural elements and the addition of new building services. Only the old balconies, which were no longer load-bearing, were replaced with new steel structures. The filigree, historic railings were secured and reused as infill for the new railings. Old, listed windows were refurbished and upgraded and replaced with wooden windows in keeping with the listed building.

The top two floors are connected via a new, narrow staircase and combined into one spacious flat. The damaged roof construction was renewed and rebuilt as a cross laminated timber construction consisting of a total of 9 parts in the old contour. The solid timber construction of the roof structure allows it to be built without purlins and supports. The structure is put together like a 3D puzzle. The result is an open, spacious room that is used as a living loft.

A recessed patio with a sliding glass wall extends the living space with an ‘outside room’. Inside and outside merge seamlessly and create new spatial qualities. The windows in the attics on both sides frame the views over the city and into the park. The room is characterised by the views, external references and the constantly changing light situation.

The interior surfaces of the ceiling and attic made of exposed wood, the new Douglas fir floorboards in combination with the light grey clay plaster create a natural and warm atmosphere. The concept of using natural materials is also continued outside with the sustainably treated wooden surfaces and the new green roof. The special character of the flat can be sensually experienced in the transition from the classic charm of a Gründerzeit flat in an old building on the 3rd floor via the narrow staircase and the emergence into a light-flooded structure with new elements.