Zülpicher Viertel, Univiertel, Kwartier Latäng - the Rathenauviertel has many names. This reflects the versatility of this district, which was created in the course of the city expansion that began in 1881. Depending on your point of view, sometimes the nearby university serves as a reference point, sometimes the cultural diversity in the form of theaters, pubs and restaurants, sometimes a defining street or a square. No matter which name is given, houses reminiscent of the Wilhelminian era keep popping up in the streetscape. In other words, the time when this urban expansion was created on the drawing board. One of these houses, no longer quite fresh in appearance and condition, was to be renovated by the Badtke architects' office. Both the exterior and interior had lost their former glory and needed to be restored. All under the strict eyes of the conservation authorities.

"Houses with history always present us architects with special challenges. Because here we are not rewriting history, but continuing it. It's like the sequel to a bestseller," says architect Stefan Badtke. He had to show a great deal of sensitivity in this sequel, not only for the fabric of the building, but also in dealing with the authorities. The stucco on the façade and in the interior as well as the frames of all the doors were carefully restored. The floor coverings are also based on the original. Square black and white tiles were combined with white metro tiles in the bathrooms. Parquet flooring was laid in the living areas, with a herringbone pattern in the apartments on each floor and a modern-looking ship's floor in the attic apartment.

Speaking of the top floor, its statics posed the greatest challenge for the architects. The previously dilapidated apartment located there now extends partly over two floors. With its openings and air spaces, terraces and large window openings, it now looks spacious and modern. The material combination of white walls, wooden floor and steel staircase also contributes to this. It almost seems as if this apartment alone takes up a large part of the 390 m² of living space. Yet it is just one of - or rather: above - the five partially renovated and upgraded rental apartments in the building.

www.badtke.eu

Photos:

Axel Hartmann
www.ah-fotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|22)