Haus L&H, originally built in the 1930s, was renovated by Köln based architect
Photography © Philip Kistner
Description:
When houses lose their former charm, they can easily
be forgotten in an urban surrounding.
Benjamin von Pidoll architects refurbished one of
those houses from the 1930s.
The townhouse, based near the botanical garden in
cologne, Germany, lost its charm and needed to be refurbished. Aim was to
create something new out of an old structure.
The classical architectural style should harmonize
with simple elements and a reduced living style.
As a central element the staircase was refurbished cautious
and with sense for details that demanded perfect craftsmanship.
It´s elliptic stair eye connects the floors on a
visual and creatively level.
The representative rooms like the living space with a
room long fireplace bench made out of a sandstone, the dining room and the
kitchen nestle around the staircase.
The minimal lighting concept steps in the background
while providing different options of atmospheres with direct and indirect
light.
The direct light is built with deep holes in the
ceiling. From there the flush with ceiling mounted spots light up different art
works from all over the world.
In the dining and living area is a circulating
indirect light gap that shines from the ceiling.
In the ground floor the old floorings could be
conservated. A beautiful oak parquet pattern was refurbished and partially
added. It is emphasized by the sharp white walls that were lacquered all in
white.
The floorings in the upper floors couldn’t be
renovated. Benjamin von Pidoll used long oak floorboards to show that there is
a new style, but the same material.
Most of the interior, like furniture and the doors are
custom made designs from the architects and fit perfectly in the old existing
structure. They are in love with all the small details.
