Old houses have a way of aging gracefully—until they don't. Eventually, their layouts and materials simply no longer suit the people living in them. When that moment arrives, a thoughtful redesign can work wonders. Munich-based architect Alexandra Kiendl took on precisely this challenge with a 1960s family home in Neubiberg. With sensitivity and a clear vision for transformation, she reimagined the space in perfect harmony with her clients' needs and desires.

The transformation is striking. Everything now feels cohesive—from the crisp white foundation punctuated by soft sage green accents. The design strategy was simple but effective: a flowing, open ground floor for the family by day, and private work and sleeping areas upstairs. The scope also included a complete overhaul of all water and electrical systems. The kitchen has become the home's beating heart. Subtle openings in existing walls dissolve the boundaries between living and dining areas, with the kitchen—rendered in vibrant color—anchoring the space. A clever light window to the hall maximizes natural daylight through an existing opening. Storage was paramount for this family, and custom built-in cabinetry throughout delivers on that wish. In the kitchen, the warm light gray walls create a serene backdrop for the sage green cabinetry. To stay within budget while respecting the home's bones, the original wooden doors and windows were carefully restored and given fresh white finishes—instantly brightening the entire living concept. Upstairs, a former wood-paneled room with adjoining storage closet has been reinvented as a luminous retreat, lined with white built-ins and a new bed.

The ground floor bathroom received a major upgrade: a new interior door now connects it to the toilet, larger windows flood it with light, and an additional storage niche was carved from a former hallway entrance. Custom cabinetry by a local carpenter echoes the kitchen's design language. Crisp white tiles and a barrier-free, level-access shower complete the modern transformation. Throughout the project, Kiendl worked with remarkable restraint, prioritizing both budget and resource efficiency. The clients couldn't be happier—their longtime home now feels entirely renewed.

www.alexkiendl.de

Photography Credits:

Jonathan Sage
www.jonathansage.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 02|23)