Family living between Wilhelminian style and loft
The experience of old and new elements as the main theme of the revitalization of a vacant Wilhelminian style building.
The initial situation was challenging: While the former commercial space on the ground floor was not marketable, residential use seemed unattractive due to its direct position alongside the road and was therefore initially inconceivable. Then the architects came up with the idea of creating a green inner courtyard towards which the rooms would open up. This resulted in a spacious living landscape reminiscent of both the Wilhelminian era and an open loft. It combines the quality of its central location with that of a peaceful retreat.
Context as material
A colour scheme and spatial concept developed from the lighting situation on the ground floor supports these dual qualities. It picks up on tones from the existing materials in the surroundings and thus creates visual relationships from the inside to the outside. Subtle colours were chosen for the even walls, inspired by the greying effect in perceiving a landscape, establishing a direct connection to the outdoor space (brick walls, sandstone base, trees…).
The former sandstone exterior wall has been preserved from the outside to the inside and integrated into the kitchen’s design. The initial disadvantage of the ground floor situation was resolved, blending the outdoor and indoor spaces, and thus extending the living space to the next block edge.
Project information
Location: Stuttgart
Client: Privat
Year: 2005
Collaboration: Manu Weismann (freelance architect)
Images: Zooey Braun
