When the owners of this spacious penthouse in Bad Neuenahr's city centre first acquired it, they planned simply to move in. The previous owner had left built-in cupboards behind, so why not keep the existing quality furniture and supplement it with a few additional units? It didn't take long, however, for the couple to realize that this approach wouldn't allow them to achieve their vision of a cohesive design concept under the distinctive barrel vault ceiling. They turned to architect and interior designer Annette Bartsch, commissioning her Bad Neuenahr-based firm to develop a contemporary design strategy that would tie everything together.

The expansive apartment—nearly 300 m²—features a south-facing kitchen, living, and dining area. Private spaces—bedroom, dressing room, master bath, and guest room—occupy the northern section, while a study and reading room anchor the centre. Nearly every room opens directly onto outdoor terraces. The design strategy was to maximize storage through understated cabinet fronts. Predominantly matte-white surfaces are punctuated by anthracite accents that articulate horizontal lines and highlight specific storage zones. Practical elements—the kitchen pass-through and fold-down guest bed—seamlessly disappear into the calm, handle-free surfaces of custom-built cabinetry. The bathroom echoes this light-dark contrast through its cupboard surfaces and tilework. Silver-grey carpet throughout the apartment unifies the space and reinforces its sense of openness. A high-tech sound system delivers audio to every room through largely invisible infrastructure, with speakers either flush-mounted in walls or discretely integrated into cabinet surfaces. The building's structure enabled a sophisticated approach: floor ducts and conduits allow all rooms to access cutting-edge technology. The barrel ceiling presents a particular challenge for craftspeople—lighting must emphasize its curved form while forgiving no surface irregularities, demanding meticulous drywall and painting work. New coves with DALI-controlled LEDs create customizable lighting atmospheres. An open panoramic fireplace anchors the living room, integrated into a sculptural cabinet wall where cladding and cabinetry merge seamlessly—a demanding detail requiring exceptional fire-safety measures and precision finishing. The seating arrangement invites flexible use without dictating a focal point, allowing views to flow equally toward the fireplace, the concealed television, or the enchanting roofscape of Bad Neuenahr beyond.

www.annettebartsch.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|20)