Addition to an Old Townhouse in Linz by Mia2

Areal Architecten, a Belgian studio, has designed and implemented 'Town house EM,' a contemporary brick and concrete townhouse situated within a residential streetscape in Mechelen, a city located near Antwerp. The project aims to seamlessly integrate the modern structure into its traditional surroundings while maintaining a distinct architectural identity. The exterior features a brick facade that is subtly sliced and faceted, enabling the otherwise minimalist volume to relate to and harmonize with the existing neighboring buildings. This design approach seeks a balance between blending in and standing out within the urban fabric. Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by a porte-cochère rather than a direct front door onto the street, offering a unique transition space. Internally, the three floors of the townhouse are visually connected by a significant void that extends from the ground floor upwards, crowned by a skylight. This architectural feature serves to flood the stairwell and lower levels with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. This central void acts as an internal 'canyon,' effectively separating the open-plan living areas from the more private bedrooms. Thomas Cols of Areal Architecten describes the residence as a single-family row house that, despite its urban setting, offers remarkable views and expansive voids. He emphasizes the thoughtful combination of raw and refined materials used throughout the project, contributing to its distinctive character. The interior material palette is intentionally restrained, contributing to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. It features ribbed concrete soffits, exposed brick walls, and a combination of timber and concrete flooring. Large internal single-pane windows further enhance the sense of openness and connectivity between spaces. The staircase is a notable design element, crafted from white-painted steel with blade-like treads, adding a sculptural quality to the interior. Functional spaces are thoughtfully distributed across the floors. The living quarters and kitchen are equipped with fitted timber-fronted storage units, providing both practicality and a consistent aesthetic. The open-plan first floor hosts a living room that extends onto a terrace, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The kitchen is located on the ground floor, facilitating easy access and functionality. A difference in level on the ground floor manages the transition between the street and the rear of the house, which leads to a longitudinal garden. This design detail creates a smooth progression from the public street environment to the private outdoor space. The architects highlight that the traditional spaces of a house are synthesized into a single organic space, characterized by raw finishes such as the concrete grid on the ceiling and the prominent interior brick wall. Through precise openings and the living room terrace, the integration of inside and outside environments is a key design principle, fostering a continuous and expansive living experience within this urban dwelling. #Townhouse #ArealArchitecten #MechelenArchitecture #BrickFacade #ConcreteConstruction #ModernResidential #InternalVoid #SkylightDesign #OpenPlanLiving

Some Place Studio undertook a renovation of a 215-square-foot altbau apartment in Berlin, focusing on its kitchen and bathroom. The project aimed to address the spatial challenges typical of these turn-of-the-century apartments, such as irregular angles and windowless rooms, by integrating contemporary design with the existing historic structure. The design strategy involved strategic use of color, materials, and lighting to enhance functionality and aesthetics. In the kitchen, the narrow and cramped layout was reconfigured to maximize the use of its single window. A custom-designed corner banquette, upholstered in a deep blue, was installed to create a comfortable and social seating area for informal meals and cooking activities. The cabinetry was constructed from gray Valchromat, providing a modern contrast to the stainless steel countertops and front panels, which introduced a sleek element to the space. During the renovation, the removal of old tiles uncovered original Berlin parquet flooring, which was carefully restored and incorporated into the new design, adding character and historical depth. To further optimize the limited space, the washing machine was relocated from the bathroom to the kitchen, enabling a more efficient redesign of the bathroom. The bathroom, which previously lacked natural light and storage, underwent significant improvements. A recessed lighting panel was installed to simulate daylight, featuring adjustable brightness and tone to create a more inviting atmosphere. Light-colored microcement was used on surfaces to unify built-in niches, while a custom sink unit was designed to align precisely with the niche above it. A mirror with concealed recessed storage was added to maximize the available depth, addressing the previous lack of storage. Although the overall layout of the bathroom remained largely unchanged, the addition of new storage solutions, the daylight panel, and a refreshed wall texture created the impression of a more spacious environment. The renovation also incorporated a selection of vintage lamps, locally sourced from Berlin, which contributed an additional layer of authenticity and character to the apartment. This project by Some Place Studio exemplifies a series of renovations where existing architectural conditions are thoughtfully integrated into a bold and contemporary design. The studio's approach successfully transformed a small, challenging apartment into a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing living space, demonstrating how careful consideration of design elements can overcome spatial limitations in historic properties. #TinyApartmentRenovation #BerlinAltbau #CustomBanquette #SpaceSavingDesign #KitchenRenovation #BathroomRenovation #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #CompactLiving

Anastasia Mirzoyan, founder of Kyiv design firm Anastasia Mirzoyan Bureau, addresses the modern need for individualized housing that meets residents' contemporary lifestyles. Her recent project involves a 650-square-foot apartment within a house built in 1874 in Kyiv's historic district, designed for a client who identifies as a 'citizen of the world' and appreciates both the Bauhaus aesthetic and Kyiv's vibrant art scene. The client sought a flexible home base that could accommodate a minimalist lifestyle, described as one that 'should fit into a backpack.' Mirzoyan's design strategy involves a primary bisection of the apartment into distinct public and private zones. Further division within these zones is achieved through strategic furnishing and custom installations. For instance, open shelving units are custom-designed to separate the sleeping area from the social spaces, optimizing the apartment's compact footprint. A significant feature is a monumental green marble island that serves multiple functions: it discretely separates the kitchen from the bathing area and cleverly conceals all necessary appliances, contributing to a streamlined and uncluttered aesthetic. In homage to the apartment's historical context, Mirzoyan intentionally left certain enclosing structures exposed to showcase the original brickwork. This decision integrates the apartment's past with its modern design, creating a dialogue between old and new. The central element of the home is a custom wood table, positioned in the apartment's core. This versatile piece functions as a hub for various activities, including socializing, working, and dining, embodying a modern approach to multi-functional living spaces. Throughout the apartment, the design incorporates a blend of vintage and contemporary furniture and lighting. A vintage sofa is illuminated by a Muuto floor lamp, while a custom bed by Woodwerk is complemented by a Hay lamp on a Muuto table. The dining area features an &tradition; pendant light hanging above the custom table, which is paired with chairs by Enea. Artistic elements are also present, with a painting by Masha Reva adorning the dining area wall, near a rug by Massimo Copenhagen. The kitchen cabinetry is custom-made by UA Makers, reinforcing the bespoke nature of the design. The use of distinctive materials further enhances the aesthetic. The green marble island, sourced from Guatemala, acts as a focal point, providing both visual interest and practical utility. Graphic floor tiles by Topcer are used in certain areas, adding a modern touch, while green tiling by Detiles Mosaic Tiles define the powder room, maintaining a cohesive color palette and luxurious feel. The overall design successfully marries the client's desire for a Bauhaus-inspired, minimalist, and adaptable living space with the historical character of the building, creating a contemporary yet respectful renovation. #BauhausAesthetic #ApartmentDesign #KyivArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #InteriorRenovation #CustomFurniture #HistoricPreservation

Milena and Max Schmiz acquired the Dortmannhof, a heritage-listed German farmhouse built in 1791, for their family in Essen. Despite initial challenges such as uneven floors, drafty windows, and stringent historic preservation laws, the couple successfully transformed the 200-year-old property into an art-filled residence. However, the northern side of the home lacked sufficient daylight, prompting them to seek a solution. They enlisted Berlin-based architect Sigurd Larsen, known for his daylight-focused designs, after being impressed by his Roof House in Copenhagen. Larsen faced the challenge of enhancing daylight without altering the historic facade, as monument protection regulations required the preservation of all original walls and ceiling beams. Only two small skylights were permitted on the eastern roof slope. These constraints led Larsen to devise a "house within a house" concept. The architect inserted three new cross-laminated timber volumes into the building's northern half, which previously served as a barn. These additions, described as "oversized inhabitable furniture," were designed for easy installation and removal to comply with local historic preservation rules. The central and largest volume is a 36-foot-tall gabled music room, featuring a north-facing window wall, designed to accommodate the family's musical activities. The musicians desired a spacious area for piano rehearsals and a functional working desk, which this volume provides. A smaller, gabled volume to the east houses a new guest suite with its own entrance, while a flat-roofed volume on the west side contains a large bathroom. The new volumes, totaling 860 square feet, were painted with white chalk inside and out, honoring the historic facade. Larsen noted that the tall and narrow design of the new spaces, particularly the music room and guest house, was influenced by the surrounding crops and optimized for morning light from the new skylights. The original structure's features, such as the stone floors from 1791, were preserved and integrated into the new music room. Large, north-facing windows were incorporated to allow additional daylight to filter through the old, perforated walls, which originally provided ventilation for hay. The historical layout, characterized by multiple entrances and internal connections, was maintained to allow for the simultaneous coexistence of family life, creativity, and work, reflecting the building's original multipurpose spirit. #GermanFarmhouse #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalRenovation #DaylightDesign #SigurdLarsen #CrossLaminatedTimber #HouseWithinAHouse #MusicRoom #GuestSuite #HeritageListed

In 1788, the Enlightenment society Felix Meritis, Latin for 'Happy Through Merit,' constructed its namesake clubhouse on an Amsterdam canal. The building, designed by Neoclassical architect Jacob Otten Husly, served as a hub for members to study various disciplines like music, natural sciences, drawing, commerce, and literature, embodying the rational principles of Enlightenment thought through its Corinthian-style facade and geometrically shaped rooms. A century later, after the society's dissolution, the building underwent several transformations, serving as a printing factory, the Dutch Communist party headquarters, and a 1960s cabaret, yet it remarkably maintained its architectural integrity despite wear and tear. In 2014, Amerborgh, an investment firm with a focus on the arts, acquired the landmarked Felix Meritis. The company aimed to repurpose it as a cultural center, leveraging its renovated spaces as event venues to support various programs. Tasked with revitalizing the 50,000-square-foot interior, i29, led by co-founder and partner Jeroen Dellensen, sought to bring the historic building 'into the now.' Their approach involved respecting the original architecture while infusing contemporary design elements to appeal to a younger demographic. This restoration project necessitated a careful balance between preserving historical aspects and introducing innovative designs. Working alongside MATH Architecten, which managed structural renovations, i29 co-founders Jeroen Dellensen and Jaspar Jansen focused on cultivating the individual character of each space. They found inspiration in the building's original use by the Felicians, who organized it by departments, allowing each room to retain its distinct function and story. The building's layout, divided by a five-story wooden staircase, comprises 11 staggered levels. A key requirement from the city was the meticulous restoration of two historically significant areas: the oval Concertzaal, renowned as one of Europe's premier small classical-music halls, and the Zuilenzaal, a colonnaded reception room. In the Concertzaal, where Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered in the Netherlands, a chromatic analysis revealed the original wall color between the pilasters was a brown-tinted beige, which was reinstated to restore the room's serene ambiance. To accommodate modern musical performances, i29 incorporated discreet, pivoting wall panels that optimize acoustics and conceal electronic equipment. MATH seamlessly integrated new mechanical systems within the existing structure, rendering them invisible in the auditorium. For the majestic Zuilenzaal, i29 opted for a more minimalist approach, stripping back boiserie and stabilizing cracked wood columns, leaving the room largely in its found state. This 'un-Photoshopped' authenticity required carefully dismantling and reassembling fragile woodwork to integrate modern ventilation and sound systems, making the Zuilenzaal a highly sought-after venue. i29 introduced significant visual diversity in the remaining rooms, utilizing color and texture as primary design tools. They incorporated crisply geometric, often mirrored, built-in cabinetry and furniture to create a striking contrast with the classical surroundings, thereby giving these spaces a unique identity and importance comparable to the historic rooms. The main entry is flanked by a reception area and Felix, a 100-seat restaurant. In the reception, custom tufted-shag wall coverings reproduce an 18th-century etching of a Felician meeting, offering a historical greeting to modern visitors. The restaurant's walls are adorned with woven textiles depicting Amsterdam's skies, immersing diners in a Dutch landscape. The Shaffyzaal, a domed, oval room above the Concertzaal, was once a physics lab and later a popular nightspot. Named after performer Ramses Shaffy, its acoustical perforated-steel panels feature an ombré effect, fading from deep to pale blue, evoking its psychedelic past. Jansen emphasizes that this contrast between contemporary and historical elements invigorates both. In the attic Koepelzaal, exposed timber roof beams lend a modern angularity. Dellensen highlights the firm's narrative approach, embedding stories within the design to add depth to the interiors. In the Teekenzaal, formerly the drawing studio, translucent fabric rectangles suspended from the ceiling diffuse light and symbolize the paper used by the Felicians, bringing the spirit of the Enlightenment to life. #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #HistoricalPreservation #AmsterdamLandmark #CulturalCenter #NeoclassicalArchitecture #i29Design #FelixMeritis #RestorationProject

Lithuanian studio ŠA Atelier has undertaken the transformation of a 19th-century apartment in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, converting it into a minimalist family home. The apartment, situated within an ornate townhouse constructed in 1862 in the city's old town, had deteriorated over its 157-year history due to successive changes in use and ownership. The design team at ŠA Atelier aimed to liberate the interior from its oppressive past by implementing white-washed walls, natural wood, and concrete elements, while carefully preserving original features such as decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, and door frames. The renovation strategy focused on creating a continuous flow of space throughout the apartment, thereby enhancing the sense of multiplicity and depth within the premises. New openings were strategically cut into the old walls to adapt the space for modern family living, meticulously ensuring that the original structural layout remained discernible. A key intervention was the insertion of a single new partition, ingeniously designed to house a white kitchen with a chipboard backsplash on one side and an all-white bathroom on the other. This partition not only accommodates the plumbing and services for these areas but also integrates storage for larger items above the kitchen. The narrow, open-plan bathroom is characterized by a concrete floor and white walls, conceived as an abstract space where all fixtures and accessories are built-in. The sink is cleverly positioned in a former window recess, and the bathroom door includes a special opening designed for the family's pet cat. From the shower, one can view the entire length of the apartment, with a strategically placed mirror at the far end extending the visual depth of the space. Furnishings throughout the apartment are sparse, with chairs, tables, and lamps exclusively designed and manufactured by ŠA Atelier. The chosen material and color palette for the apartment are deliberately restrained. White is utilized to provide a serene and fresh backdrop for daily life and creative activities. Wood, a natural and enduring material present in the apartment since its inception, forms a grounding element underfoot. The designers prioritize natural materials, aiming for authenticity rather than relying on artificial colors or materials that pretend to be something they are not. In the bedroom, a custom-made bed is integrated with a large plywood headboard. This headboard serves a dual purpose: concealing a walk-in wardrobe behind it and featuring two foldable flaps that reveal bedside lighting and surfaces that function as bedside tables. The completed project signifies a new and vibrant chapter in the building's history, accommodating young families, and contributing to the slow but ongoing gentrification of the district. This renovation follows a similar trend in Vilnius, where Kristina Lastauskaitė-Pundė recently refurbished an 18th-century apartment, blending exposed frescoes and original arched doorways with contemporary brass accents and grey cabinetry. Photography for this project was conducted by Norbert Tukaj. #VilniusArchitecture #ApartmentRenovation #MinimalistInteriorDesign #ŠAAtelier #HistoricalPreservation #ModernLiving #InteriorDesign #LithuanianDesign

BaseCamp, founded by Armon Bar-Tur, emerged as a solution to the scarcity of well-designed student accommodation throughout Europe. Bar-Tur's vision was to combine the community-centric living popular in America with European design sensibilities, emphasizing interior design and comprehensive amenities. The first BaseCamp facility opened in 2016 in Copenhagen, occupying a historic building that once housed the Danish Royal Guards. Due to the building's historical significance, structural modifications were minimal. In contrast, the latest BaseCamp location in Leipzig, Germany, near the University of Leipzig, offered the opportunity for new construction. For this project, BaseCamp collaborated with Berlin-based industrial designers Studio Aisslinger to create the interiors. Studio Aisslinger's design for the Leipzig location features multi-functional and streamlined living spaces, ingeniously integrating built-in storage solutions. The aesthetic is contemporary, incorporating vibrant splashes of color in specific areas while maintaining an overall minimalist approach. This design strategy aims to foster both serene and comfortable private spaces, alongside encouraging community interaction. Studio Aisslinger characterized their work as "a deep dive into colour-blocking and graphic abstracts," where a modern interpretation of Optical Art engages with solid-colored furniture, creating a dynamic environment. The Leipzig BaseCamp offers 385 rooms, varying in size from 19 sq m at €495 per month to 27 sq m at €595 per month. These rental prices are competitive with typical room or studio rentals in the city. Some rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, and a selection of rooms offers enhanced accessibility to cater to diverse needs. Historically, student housing in Europe has often been an afterthought, with existing buildings repurposed for university use without adequate consideration for student requirements and preferences. BaseCamp seeks to redefine this by purposefully designing spaces with students' needs at the forefront, encompassing both functional facilities and appealing aesthetics. This initiative places BaseCamp among other forward-thinking student housing projects in Europe, such as Urban Rigger's partnership with Bjarke Ingels Group in Copenhagen. Beyond Leipzig, BaseCamp currently operates facilities in Copenhagen, Potsdam, and Lodz. With rising rental costs across Europe, the availability of quality student housing is increasingly critical. BaseCamp addresses this challenge by providing accommodation that not only offers high-quality amenities but also integrates clean and thoughtful design aesthetics, demonstrating a successful model for student living. #StudentHousing #InteriorDesign #EuropeanArchitecture #StudioAisslinger #CommunityLiving #MinimalistDesign #AffordableHousing #LeipzigDesign #UrbanDevelopment

The 'nieuw leyden townhouses' project, designed by Dutch practice 24H-architecture, is part of MVRDV's 'nieuw leyden' urban plan in Leiden, the Netherlands. This urban plan allows for the construction of 18 unique houses by various architects, without strict zoning limits or aesthetic regulations, requiring only adherence to a given building envelope. 24H-architecture contributed two sustainably-driven townhouses that exceed Dutch ecological standards. A distinctive feature of these townhouses is a central courtyard, referred to as the 'canyon,' which acts as a fissure running through the house. This design choice serves to illuminate all interior spaces, creating a comfortable living environment that benefits from natural solar heating. To maintain internal temperatures efficiently, the houses incorporate highly insulated walls and low-emissivity glass. Furthermore, solar water heating systems are utilized to reduce reliance on grid energy, emphasizing the project's sustainable approach. The front facade of the townhouses is a key characteristic, presenting an artistic composition of organically curved lines. These lines are crafted from FSC-certified louro gamela and jatoba wood planks, combined with corten steel panels. This combination not only creates a unique and aesthetically pleasing elevation but also highlights the use of sustainable materials. The interior design continues this focus on sustainable and natural materials, featuring bamboo parquet floors, bamboo window and door frames, and a back terrace decking made from the same material. The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainable architecture through its material choices and passive design strategies. The 'canyon' courtyard not only provides natural light but also contributes to the thermal comfort of the residents by maximizing solar gain. The use of FSC-certified wood and corten steel on the facade, along with bamboo interiors, underscores the architects' dedication to environmental responsibility and material innovation. The overall design prioritizes energy efficiency and a harmonious integration of natural elements into the living spaces. The townhouses, completed in 2011, have a floor area of 200 m² and 180 m² for the two private residences respectively. The project clients were Fam. van Dam – Lock and Fam. Blansjaar – Visser. The design team from 24H-architecture included Maartje Lammers, Boris Zeisser, Olav Bruin, Anja Verdonk, Albert-Jan Vermeulen, Yana Vlasova, Floor Kokke, and Valentine van Dam. This development exemplifies how architectural design can integrate sustainability and unique aesthetic expression within an urban planning framework. #NieuwLeydenTownhouses #SustainableArchitecture #24HArchitecture #GreenBuilding #LeidenNetherlands #UrbanPlanning #EcoFriendlyDesign #BambooInteriors #CortenSteel

French studio Dank Architectes undertook the renovation of a 160-square-meter garden flat located in a residential area near Lyon, France. The objective was to transform the existing structure into an open-plan apartment suitable for a couple with two children, aiming for a loft-conversion style with efficient space utilization. The architectural approach focused on creating a more dynamic and less static representation of the completed project in its photographic documentation, opting to stage scenes depicting the days before and after a lively party. The inspiration for this unconventional photography approach stemmed from an unexpected visit by Steven Guigoz of Dank Architectes to the new owners. He discovered the apartment in a state of disarray following a celebration, complete with empty champagne bottles and wrapping paper scattered across the floor. This informal observation led to the realization that portraying the apartment in a lived-in, albeit messy, state could bring a sense of realism and "aliveness" to the architectural photographs, contrasting with the typically pristine and minimalist aesthetic often captured in such shoots. The architects intended to evoke curiosity in viewers, prompting questions about the events that transpired, much like someone trying to recall the details of a night out. The renovation, named Project Amou, involved significant structural changes. The existing partitions on the ground floor were removed to create a large, open-plan living area. One of the bedrooms was relocated to the first floor to optimize the layout. A key design element on the ground floor is a prominent grey-painted volume strategically placed in the center. This structure serves multiple functions: it delineates the entrance area from a television room, houses a laundry room and closet internally, and integrates bookshelves and a study area into its external walls. This multi-functional element effectively organizes and defines the various zones within the open-plan space. The double-height living and dining room is positioned adjacent to a series of glass doors, which facilitate a seamless connection between the interior and the garden, allowing natural light to flood the space. The original staircase was replaced with a new metal structure, whose design intentionally echoes the family dining table, aiming to integrate the furniture as an integral part of the apartment's structure rather than a separate entity. This design choice contributes to the cohesive and architectural feel of the ground floor. Material selections for the renovation were chosen to complement the minimalist design and functional requirements. The flooring features polyurethane screed, while the furniture incorporates MDF wood panels and laminated wood. Corian was selected for the kitchen work surfaces, and assembled parquet was used for the upper floor and the living room. These materials contribute to a contemporary and practical living environment. Frenchie Cristogatin was responsible for the photography of the project, capturing both the architectural details and the staged post-party scenes that highlight the apartment's capacity for vibrant life within its minimalist framework. #ApartmentRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #MinimalistDesign #ArchitecturalPhotography #LyonArchitecture #DankArchitectes #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

The Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, a project by Bindloss Dawes, involves the transformation of a Grade-II listed property located in a picturesque Somerset valley, United Kingdom. The renovation focuses on blending the building's historical character with contemporary architectural elements. The project is a collaboration with Joa Studholme, a color curator for Farrow & Ball, and her husband, Andrew Studholme, reflecting Bindloss Dawes' expertise in rigorous detailing and material compositions that balance urban and rural aesthetics. Built in 2023, the renovated house has an area of 120 square meters. Key contributors to the project include Francesca Iovene for photography, Momentum for structural engineering, and Gregory Renovations for contracting. Manufacturers involved in the project include Andrew Cooke, English Woodland Timber, Farrow and Ball, and Oakwrights Joinery. The design team from Bindloss Dawes included George Dawes and Fawn Ma. The architectural approach highlights the preservation of the existing structure while introducing modern extensions. A notable feature of the renovation is the new timber extension, which complements the original building without overshadowing its historical significance. This extension is a testament to the architects' ability to integrate new design seamlessly into an older context, creating a harmonious living space that respects its heritage. The interior design, also managed by Bindloss Dawes, reflects a careful consideration of color and texture, influenced by Joa Studholme's expertise. The project aims to create a comfortable and functional home that meets the modern needs of its occupants while maintaining a strong connection to its past. The use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship is evident throughout the property, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The project showcases a balance between old and new, demonstrating how historic buildings can be adapted for contemporary living through thoughtful renovation. The successful integration of the timber extension and the meticulous attention to detail in both the interior and exterior elements contribute to the overall success of the Pitcombe’s Old School House Renovation, positioning it as a significant example of architectural preservation and modern design. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryDesign #TimberExtension #GradeIIListedBuilding #UnitedKingdomArchitecture #BindlossDawes

This blog post details the renovation of a three-story Victorian home overlooking Long Island Sound in Larchmont, owned by the Pinchin family. The project, led by architect Robert Keller of Keller/Eaton and homeowner Gillian Pinchin, who also runs her interior design firm Wondernose, focused on transforming the traditional exterior with a funky, eclectic, and modern interior designed for contemporary family living. The primary objective was to modernize the home while maintaining its historical charm. The most substantial changes were implemented on the third floor. This area, which previously consisted of five small maids' rooms, was reconfigured to create a spacious master suite. This new suite now includes a master bedroom, a dedicated bathroom, a dressing room, separate his-and-hers offices, and a deck offering views of the water. The architect noted that the goal was to repurpose underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas suitable for a modern lifestyle. A unique challenge was creating a sense of privacy for the parents within the master suite without isolating it from their three young children. The solution was a 2-inch-thick, 400-pound walnut door, crafted by Pinchin’s father, which slides on casters like a barn door. This door provides privacy when closed but allows the third floor to feel contiguous with the rest of the house when open. The second floor of the home features three bedrooms and a bathroom for the children, along with a guest room, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room. On the first floor, a modern island was incorporated into the traditional kitchen, blending new elements with existing aesthetics. Additionally, a formal living room was re-envisioned as a "grown-up room" by Pinchin, providing a tranquil space with two chaises for relaxation. The basement was also renovated to include a bedroom, a bathroom, a mudroom, and a gym, all designed with a clean, simple, and functional style. For the interior design, Pinchin adopted a "gallery approach," painting most walls white to allow select pieces of artwork or furniture to stand out. The most striking element in the house is a custom graffiti wall in the dining room. Pinchin commissioned an artist from San Francisco, who used traditional paint to create a "sloppy" graffiti look, even incorporating the children's initials into the design. This "crazy wall" creates a compelling contrast with the otherwise quiet room, furnished with midcentury pieces inherited from Pinchin's grandmother. The architect highlighted this surprising juxtaposition between the home's traditional exterior and its modern interior as a key success of the project. The article further elaborates on specific design choices in various rooms. In the master bedroom, artwork above the bed provides a splash of color against a neutral backdrop. Her office maintains an all-white theme with a zebra-skin chair and personal artwork. The kitchen features a modern island and a bubble chandelier alongside a reproduction of an old master's painting and green subway tiles. The "grown-up room" boasts a lenticular image of a ballerina above the mantel, offering a dynamic visual element, and combines high-end B&B Italia chaises with an Ikea shelving unit, showcasing a blend of high and low furnishings. The overall renovation successfully merges historical architecture with contemporary design and personal artistic expression. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate #MasterSuite #EclecticDecor #GraffitiArt #InteriorDesign #GillianPinchin #RobertKeller

The architectural studio 2XJ designed a two-story family apartment in the old town of Vilnius, Lithuania, named "Greetings From Rome." This 140-square-meter apartment is located in the city's Užupis neighborhood, occupying the second and third-floor attic space of a three-story building. The central design challenge and inspiration for the project was an existing structural stone wall that traversed the entire length of the apartment. This wall, initially perceived as a complication due to its immovability and "complex" layout, featured three arches on the ground floor, which serendipitously reminded the architects of the Colosseum in Rome. This humorous association ultimately gave the apartment its distinctive, playful name. Since the structural stone wall was integral to the building and could not be removed, 2XJ embraced it as a central feature of the design. They decided to clad it in Italian travertine slabs, a material choice directly inspired by the actual Colosseum. This decision was pivotal in transforming a structural constraint into an aesthetic and functional cornerstone of the apartment. The architects aimed to enhance the historical "old town" feeling within the interior using modern design approaches, and the arch motif, combined with the stone wall, perfectly served this objective. The wall became the primary axis of the project, dictating the spatial organization and separating the home into distinct active and restful areas. The wall functions practically by dividing the lower floor into social and private zones. One side features a main living area that integrates an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space. The other side houses two children's bedrooms and their corresponding bathrooms. The main living space also provides access to a compact home office, designed with sliding doors for privacy, and a large terrace offering views of Vilnius's baroque churches. A hallway positioned between the children's bedrooms and the travertine wall incorporates built-in storage solutions, maximizing functionality within the design. The apartment's upper level is dedicated to the primary bedroom, a small bathroom, and a landing area that doubles as a library, accommodating the owners' extensive book collection. The material palette chosen for the apartment complements the travertine wall, featuring a neutral selection of white and natural wood throughout. This harmonious selection creates a cohesive and serene atmosphere. The staircase connecting the two floors is a notable design element, divided into two distinct sections. The base features a "monumental" wooden section, which establishes a visual link with other wooden elements such as the dining table and a console. The upper portion of the staircase is constructed from white-colored steel, designed to evoke a sense of lightness and optimize space, further reinforcing its connection to the central stone wall. The arch motif, a recurring theme derived from the structural wall, is subtly echoed in various smaller design details, including custom door handles, the dining table, and other curved furniture pieces. The project demonstrates a thoughtful approach to interior design, where an inherent structural element is ingeniously transformed into a defining characteristic. By integrating the old with the new and using a consistent material and thematic language, 2XJ successfully created a modern and functional living space that respects its historical context while delivering on its practical requirements. This renovation contributes to a broader trend seen in Vilnius, where other studios have also reinterpreted and modernized existing historical elements in 19th-century apartments, such as ŠA Atelier’s use of partitions and Kristina Lastauskaitė-Pundė’s emphasis on arched doorways. #ApartmentInteriorDesign #VilniusArchitecture #TravertineCladding #StructuralWallIntegration #ModernRenovation #ResidentialDesign #LithuanianArchitecture #ArchedMotif #SpacePlanning

Matt and Christina Meisner, high school sweethearts with a shared appreciation for historic homes, embarked on a significant renovation of an 1852 Greek Revival double-gallery townhouse in New Orleans. The couple, who had previously lived in Austin and Melbourne, purchased the nearly 4,900-square-foot property, which includes a main house and a garçonnière, in May 2020. Their primary objective was to undertake improvements while maintaining respect for the home's historical integrity. This involved preserving a timeless style that highlighted the existing patina of multi-color plaster and paint layers throughout the residence. The renovation journey began with addressing immediate repairs and improvements, with the assistance of King Cole Construction. Austin-based Curated Studio, specifically Lauren Taylor and Kakin Nichols, played a crucial role in visualizing designs for fireplaces, living and dining rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They helped select materials designed to age gracefully, such as honed marble and brass fixtures. The Meisners also collaborated with King Cole Construction and Mark Derby of Derby Pottery and Tile to restore all six fireplaces, incorporating new tiles, hearths, and summer fronts. Sweeney Restoration was responsible for most of the general interior renovations and repairs. A significant challenge arose when the Meisners, still residing in Austin, discovered they needed to renovate the kitchen before moving in and could not manage the process remotely during a pandemic. This led them to engage Albert Architecture, with Leslie Raymond and Dan Akerley overseeing general maintenance, repairs to historic elements, and conceptualizing the design. Albert Architecture also served as the Meisners' on-site representatives. The kitchen underwent the most dramatic transformation. Its original layout was inefficient and lacked natural light, with a prominent range and vent hood blocking views. The renovation team converted a courtyard door into a window, significantly increasing counter space and natural light. Matt Meisner's goal for built-in cabinetry with a library ladder to utilize the high ceilings was realized by Pomar Gutierrez Renovation, who custom-built the kitchen cabinets on-site. The kitchen now features pine wood flooring, a window wall, floating walnut shelves with integrated lighting, weathered white Zellige tile, a custom walnut island, honed Calacatta Vagli marble countertops, and a walnut ladder with a brass rail. The original patina pantry door was retained. Beyond the kitchen, Pomar Gutierrez Renovation also crafted a built-in for the living room, vanities for the primary and guest bathrooms, an office bookshelf, and a new bedroom closet. The Meisners meticulously preserved many original details, including aging faux bois trim, doors, and double-hung pass-through windows. Sylvia T. Designs repaired salvageable plaster walls and added new plaster with complementary patina in the master bedroom. For missing original Henry Howard fireplace mantels, Picardie Timber Frame + Millwork created custom reproductions. The home's existing framework guided the color palette, with each room's design drawing inspiration from elements like a plaster fireplace, a green door's patina, or a mossy green clawfoot tub. The Meisners intentionally incorporated playful elements, such as Schumacher wallpaper in the powder bath and House of Hackney wallpaper in the water closet, to add personality and reflect their travels. The project underscored the Meisners' commitment to honoring the home's rich history while imbuing it with their unique character. #HomeRenovation #HistoricPreservation #GreekRevival #NewOrleansHomes #InteriorDesign #CustomCabinetry #KitchenRemodel #ArchitecturalRestoration #PeriodHomes

The article explores the enduring design of architect Hans-Dieter Lutz’s Stuttgart home, a two-story rowhouse built in 1972, which serves as a testament to German neo-Modernism. Initially, Lutz's daughter, Tina Lutz, now a fashion designer, found the '70s aesthetic embarrassing as a teenager. However, as an adult, she has come to appreciate the unique and functional design, even drawing inspiration from it for her handbag line, Lutz Morris. The home’s interior is characterized by a vibrant and functional Modernist aesthetic. The ground floor features organic-egg-yolk yellow walls adorned with an eclectic collection of drawings and paintings by local artists, many influenced by the Bauhaus movement. A striking element is the floor, covered in contrasting brown and white tiles laid diagonally, extending from the hallway into the main room. The dining area is furnished with a Saarinen-inspired set in white fiberglass with chocolate-colored cushions. Upstairs, the design incorporates wall-to-wall carpeting and rich teak-and-pine-wood cabinetry. A 26-foot-tall tower-cum-storage-cabinet connects the two levels, with its base containing closets and drawers and its top forming part of the second-level mezzanine, complemented by leafy plants and Noguchi paper lanterns. Most of the upstairs furnishings, including wooden sideboards, benches, and a window alcove doubling as a daybed, were custom-designed by Lutz and built by a local manufacturer. Midcentury lounge chairs upholstered in orange wool and a Danish 20th-century cast-iron wood stove add further character. Hans-Dieter Lutz, trained as a city planner, developed a blocky aesthetic rooted in the neo-Modernism prevalent during Germany’s post-World War II reconstruction. He was part of the Second Stuttgart School, a radical movement inspired by the Bauhaus and led by Richard Docker. Lutz's firm, Lutz & Partners, focused on revitalizing public spaces, with a notable project being the 1989 redesign of Freudenstadt’s center, incorporating playful, geyser-like fountains. He emphasizes that designing space, whether public or private, is about the flow of movement. In his own home, Lutz’s design choices were uncompromised. Unable to design the building itself, he defined spaces through architectural shapes within predefined rooms. The central tower is a prime example, alongside a compact C-shaped staircase with obscured flights, creating an optical illusion accentuated by a bright yellow painted panel that mirrors a white metal railing, evoking a Sol LeWitt mural. Geometric lines and curves in translucent off-white paint adorn the kitchen windows and sliding doors, chosen for privacy in lieu of curtains. Lutz's design decisions, though seemingly eccentric, are rooted in practicality. The diagonal tile pattern was chosen for ease of installation in the irregularly shaped downstairs room, and yellow walls were selected to simulate light in areas lacking windows. Decades later, his daughter and wife, Gudrun, have embraced the design's inherent logic. When the ground floor needed renovation, they chose to replicate the original design, including the brown and white tiles, affirming their enduring respect for Lutz’s vision and the home’s timeless appeal. #HansDieterLutz #StuttgartArchitecture #NeoModernism #GermanDesign #TinaLutz #BauhausInfluence #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalLegacy #MidCenturyModern

Architects Léo Berastegui and Sabine Fremiot, cofounders of Miogui Architecture, undertook the renovation of a 141-square-foot apartment in Évreux, France. The space was initially dark, cramped, and in a state of disrepair, requiring a complete overhaul. The client, a young investor, sought an extraordinary design for future tenants. The renovation focused on transforming the small, dilapidated studio into a functional and visually engaging living space. The initial phase of the project involved gutting the apartment and reconfiguring its layout. A key decision was to reduce the bathroom's footprint to allocate more space to the kitchen and living room, recognizing that these areas are used more frequently. To achieve a flexible floor plan, a curved, sunshine-yellow curtain was installed, allowing the living room to be sectioned off from the kitchen and bathroom. This drapery can be opened to create a larger, open-plan feel or closed for a cozier, more private atmosphere. The curtain also serves to conceal shelving and provide privacy for the bathroom. Inside the area demarcated by the yellow curtain, a wall of glass bricks separates the bathroom from the kitchen and living space. This design choice ensures that natural light permeates every corner of the apartment, addressing the initial darkness of the space. To further amplify the sense of spaciousness and light, numerous mirrors were strategically placed throughout the apartment. A round mirror above a convertible sofa in the living room visually expands the area, while a triangular mirror stacked atop a round mirror in the bathroom creates an illusion of depth and openness. The architects incorporated a vibrant color palette, drawing inspiration from Piet Mondrian. A bright-red pillar separates the kitchen from the entry, contrasting with the yellow curtain and the cobalt-blue linoleum flooring. This use of primary colors not only defines different zones within the small apartment but also adds a playful and artistic dimension to the design. The architects emphasize the power of color to influence mood, aiming to create a refuge-like environment for the occupants. They noted that the Mondrian-inspired palette, also favored by Le Corbusier, offers a rational approach to color application. Attention to detail is evident in various elements of the design. A diamond-shaped handle for the bathroom door, crafted from a marble tile, exemplifies the architects' playful approach to functional objects, elevating them into artistic compositions. The narrow proportions of the bathroom door contribute to a sense of verticality and added height, making the tiny bathroom feel more majestic. The shower’s square tiles echo the shape of the glass blocks, and the bright-blue grout in the shower ties into the overall cobalt-blue color scheme of the flooring, creating a cohesive visual experience. The architects' expertise in small-space design is highlighted by their ability to make the apartment feel much larger than its actual square footage, with every detail serving a meaningful purpose and creating functional surprises despite the limited space. #TinyApartment #SmallSpaceDesign #MondrianInspired #GlassBricks #FlexibleFloorPlan #ColorPalette #RenovationProject #MioguiArchitecture #NormandyApartment

Swiss architecture studio Frundgallina undertook a comprehensive renovation of a small, dilapidated chalet situated in the Swiss Jura Mountains, transforming it into an off-grid, modern home. Due to local regulations that prohibit invasive construction on the site, the architects maintained the original exterior dimensions of the structure. However, they implemented a revolutionary approach to the interior layout to maximize engagement with the natural surroundings. The interior was ingeniously divided into four sections, each approximately 86 square feet. These sections were deliberately set at varying heights to ensure seamless access from the exterior and to facilitate continuous views of the natural landscape from all areas within the chalet. This unique spatial arrangement resulted in a rich and varied interior, characterized by differing floor-to-ceiling heights. The design creates an effect of large steps spiraling around a central axis. Three of the four floors feature two distinct levels, culminating in a total of seven specific spaces within the compact structure. The varying heights and spatial divisions create a series of interconnected 'rooms' linked by thresholds of different sizes, allowing for an engaging, spiral stroll throughout the chalet. This configuration provides a playful and dynamic interior experience. The team at Frundgallina also designed the chalet to be 100 percent energy efficient, emphasizing sustainable practices in its overhaul. The exterior features a single sheet of folded stainless steel for the roof, which incorporates a gutter system for rainwater harvesting. Each of the chalet's four sides is punctuated by a large pitched-top door and a smaller pitched-top window. These gabled openings create the impression of eight smaller houses cut into the sides of the larger structure, hinting at the unusual and quirky interior arrangement. The construction explores several key architectural themes for Frundgallina, including simplicity and homogeneity of shapes, spatial richness and variety, uniformity and expressive singularity, and an overall sense of calmness, softness, and lightness derived from the formal composition. The chalet's design challenges traditional notions of entry, as it does not have a singular specific address or entrance. Instead, it benefits from four distinct entry points, allowing most rooms to be accessed directly from the outdoors and integrating the surrounding pastures as part of the spatial sequence. The chalet is built entirely from Jura forest Fir wood planks, which are vertically nailed to the framework and interior walls, with grooved and ridged versions used for the ceiling and floors. #SwissChalet #ChaletRenovation #OffGridLiving #ModernHomeDesign #Frundgallina #SustainableArchitecture #JuraMountains #InteriorDesign #SpatialVariety

The article details the transformation of a historic Brooklyn townhouse into a Passive House certified home, undertaken by Ingui Architecture for former Etsy CEO Chad Dickerson and his family. Despite the seemingly healthy exterior, the four-story brick house suffered from significant structural and environmental issues, including air and water leaks, uneven floors, cracks, high energy costs, and freezing in winter. The renovation focused on extensive, yet largely invisible, improvements to enhance energy efficiency, air quality, and overall livability. Ingui Architecture's approach involved a comprehensive overhaul. The roof was entirely removed, repaired, and re-insulated using exterior rigid foam boards and dense-pack cellulose, with the only visible change being large skylights that now flood the central stairway with natural light. The walls underwent a meticulous reconstruction, including rebuilding and sealing crumbling brick masonry, installing triple-pane windows, and adding dense-pack cellulose and mineral wool insulation. Thermal bridges were eliminated by holding jambs off the wall and replacing galvanized steel tiebacks with wooden joists, preventing heat loss and improving the building's envelope integrity. Further structural modifications included adding a multistory extension at the back of the house and lowering the cellar's concrete slab by three feet, which was then insulated with rigid foam. These changes contributed to a quiet and serene interior environment, characterized by larger thresholds, free-flowing plans, and expansive windows that maximize natural light. The home successfully achieved Passive House certification, signifying its exceptional energy performance and airtightness. Michael Ingui, president of Ingui Architecture, noted that this high level of efficiency opened the door for further sustainable choices, such as transitioning to an all-electric system. Dickerson's family embraced the all-electric lifestyle, incorporating an induction range, an electric ERV filtering system for fresh air, a heat-pump water heater and dryer, and a VRF HVAC system. The project also prioritized the use of low-VOC materials and mostly water-based paints. Dickerson highlighted the significant improvements in his family's health and well-being, observing fewer illnesses and pristine indoor air quality even during the Canadian wildfire smoke event in the summer of 2023. He regularly monitors air quality and energy data, emphasizing the tangible benefits of the renovation. Beyond the sustainable upgrades, the renovation also introduced unique features, such as transforming the cellar into a speakeasy-style music venue accessible via a swinging bookcase. This space features a moody ambiance with dark-gray walls, a timber bar, accent lighting, and exposed brick and wood surfaces, serving as an informal stage area. Michael Ingui, who also founded the Passive House Accelerator, stressed the importance of close client collaboration, meeting weekly with Dickerson to fine-tune details. Dickerson expressed that the decision to pursue Passive House certification was straightforward given the necessity of a gut renovation, finding the cost and time difference from a conventional renovation negligible, while the positive impact on his family's quality of life was profound. #PassiveHouse #Renovation #SustainableArchitecture #InguiArchitecture #Brooklyn #EnergyEfficiency #AirQuality #HistoricPreservation #NetZero