Simple, light and sleek – that's how you could briefly describe the architecture of the 1950s. Composite materials were still rare, and in the post-war period, people mainly relied on existing materials such as clinker, stone, glass and wood. These were clear advantages for the preservation of this villa on a hillside, which was extensively renovated for a family of four. They wanted to preserve the special charm of the house while also modernising the interior and tailoring it optimally to their needs. Within three years, 12:43 Architects planned and implemented the renovation and comprehensive conversion. With the office owners Steffen Bucher as architect and Lars-Erik Prokop as interior designer, the exterior and interior design was implemented as if from a single mould. The result is a modern and spacious interior spread over three levels with a total living area of 400 m². Old and new contrast excitingly with original and newly added elements. The 70-year-old house is now perfectly prepared for its new lease of life.

Visible from afar and the only intervention in the building envelope is the gable end, which is open from the ground floor to the ridge. It faces west and, with its full glazing, offers an impressive view. In order to add an additional level between the upper floor and the attic, the roof beams between the two floors were removed. The rafters of the roof structure were doubled and comprehensively insulated in between. All load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls were removed to create an open living concept facing the garden. The ground floor features an open-plan area for cooking, dining and living. The upper floor houses the master bedroom with an open-plan bathroom, a dressing room and a gallery. The other part of the building houses a large study and the children's and guest rooms. Materials such as wood, marble, steel, ceramic tiles and matt black surfaces with integrated brass joints are finely coordinated. The entrance area features a marble floor with a graphic floral inlay. The living rooms have soap-finished oak parquet flooring in a herringbone pattern. All the furniture and fixtures were designed by the architects in collaboration with the clients and made by a carpenter. With their clearly defined surfaces and brass joints, they create a beautiful contrast to the preserved doors and frames, the window reveals and the radiator niches. The fireplace is made of tinder-coated sheet steel and corresponds to the wrought-iron element above the kitchen block. In the bathrooms, ceramic tiles were laid in pieces, some measuring 1 x 2.50 m. The shower in the master bathroom was lined with dark marble. The spacious outdoor area offers space for a natural pool and newly created terrace areas on two levels. The lighting concept emphasises the architecture and skilfully connects the interior with the exterior.

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(Featured in CUBE Stuttgart 03|20)