Basements rarely rank high on homeowners' wish lists. Yet agh Architekten from Düsseldorf has proven otherwise through a remarkable conversion for a four-person family in Gerresheim. When thoughtfully redesigned, these often-overlooked spaces can reveal surprising potential.

The owner inherited this ground-floor apartment in a Wilhelmine-era building from his parents, but the space wasn't large enough for his growing family of four. While the basement level offered ample square footage—roughly 90 square meters—it suffered from fragmented, windowless rooms: a cramped office, a sauna tucked away without proper circulation or natural light, all connected by a narrow spiral staircase. To transform this dead space into livable area, the architects made a bold move: they replaced the solid wall dividing the living room from the stairwell with a loft-style glass partition. Suddenly, daylight poured in, reaching even the interior bathroom—now fitted with a window opening onto the stairwell. The basement was then reimagined with a proper corridor connecting newly arranged bedroom and bathroom spaces (including a compact sauna), while the existing masonry and original architectural elements were carefully preserved. Every detail respected the building's heritage.

The exposed brick arches and supporting piers were painted white, creating an inviting play space for the children. This pairing of bright walls and ceilings with wooden flooring establishes a warm, welcoming atmosphere that honors the building's character. The new interior staircase further reinforces this dialogue with the past—its handrail profiles, newel posts, and railings echo the original wooden staircase. The entire project moved from concept to completion in just twelve months, made possible by a particularly collaborative relationship with the owners. The architects and clients have remained friends ever since.

www.agh-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Marcel Adamczak

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|23)