Our objective was the transformation of a distinguished 19th-century monumental house into a welcoming and contemporary home that tailored to the specific needs of the clients and their family. With meticulous attention to detail, we endeavored to craft a residence that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with modern luxury, all while tailoring to their specific requirements.
Due to the esteemed designation of protected monument, opportunities for exterior alterations were bound by limitations, while necessitating a comprehensive renovation of the interiors and fundamental structure.
The architectural masterpiece, originally constructed in 1890 by Jacob Klinkhamer, beautifully embodies the harmonious fusion of Neo-Renaissance style and eclecticism prevalent during the latter half of the 19th century. Initially envisioned as a grand mansion for a single family, it served as the personal home of the architect himself.
Over the years, the house has retained its function as a single-family residence, although it has undergone a series of exterior modifications and extensive interior renovations over time.
In approaching the exterior design, we took into account our building and the neighboring symmetrical building, treating them as a unified ensemble. By accentuating the existing color scheme, we emphasized the inherent connection between the houses, using white window frames for our dwelling and black window frames for the adjacent property.
The original house was comprised of three primary floors, complemented by an attic and basement, interconnected by a steep winder staircase. Subsequently, an entresol was added on the attic level, providing access to the roof.
While maintaining the number of floors, a comprehensive redesign was undertaken to transform the layout. All floors, including the basement and attic, were masterfully converted into fully functional main floors. The initial arrangement, characterized by confined and interconnected rooms, was transformed into new floorplans that embraced spacious open-plan designs.
In addition to cherishing the legacy of the original staircase, a private elevator was seamlessly integrated alongside. This elevator seamlessly connects all the floors, ensuring effortless and comfortable access for the residents.
Preserving the historical significance of the front façade, our primary objective was to conduct a meticulous restoration while ensuring compliance with modern insulation standards. We took great care in cleaning and restoring the original brick cladding and stone elements, bringing back their original glory. To enhance energy efficiency, all windows were replaced, while paying careful attention to replicate the original profiles and frames. Additionally, the attic window, which was a later addition, was removed to restore the façade's authentic charm.
Furthermore, we took advantage of the opportunity to create a stunning front façade garden adorned with magnificent white Clematis flowers. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the house but also contributes to the well-being of the residents and has a positive impact on the entire neighborhood.
While the rear elevation does not possess protected status, its renovation was executed with meticulous attention to preserve the original design. Adorned in a refined, monochromatic off-white stucco, the rear façade showcases its authentic wooden balconies, cast iron railings, and ornate cornices, paying homage to its historical character.
The rear garden was envisioned as a lush oasis within the urban landscape, creating a serene sanctuary for the family. A sophisticated marble-clad terrace, positioned gracefully in front of the façade, invites leisurely moments, with cascading stairs seamlessly traversing the terrain The remaining expanse of the garden is embraced by a lush carpet of grass, allowing for various activities and a seamless connection with nature. The carefully curated selection of plants, with their diverse textures and vibrant colors, adds a touch of tranquility and enhances the overall ambiance of the garden.
The rooftop terrace underwent a complete redesign, along with the dormer that serves as its entry point. These captivating features were not part of the original structure but were later incorporated into the building. Discreetly nestled behind the roof ridge, they were artfully emphasized with clean and minimalist lines, highlighting their contemporary essence.
The terrace itself is elevated above the original roofline, creating a sleek and horizontal expanse. By strategically positioning it away from the edges of the house, its distinctiveness is accentuated, allowing the original chimneys and exquisite cornice to remain unobstructed and proudly showcased. The use of glass railings not only provides uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, while remaining concealed from the external viewers.
While the exterior remained unchanged, the interior of the house underwent an extensive reconstruction. Starting from the ground up, the original basement floor was significantly deepened, supplemented by a new foundation. All floors and the majority of the walls underwent meticulous scraping and rebuilding to ensure structural integrity and accommodate new MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, as well as redesigned floor plans. Notably, a new lift shaft was seamlessly incorporated, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
To optimize comfort and efficiency, the interior walls were insulated, while the roof underwent a complete reconstruction to accommodate an insulation layer nestled between the original wooden structure and the roof tiles.
Our esteemed partner meticulously designed advanced MEP systems that cater to the highest standards of a luxurious home. From effective ventilation solutions to state-of-the-art smart home integration and comprehensive security features, every aspect was considered to meet the demands of a contemporary, upscale residence.
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