Reimagining the Existing
A bungalow thoughtfully expanded, reorganized, and refined with minimalist design
Residential architecture from the 1960s and today share a striking kinship: both embrace design clarity and functional spatial solutions. A bungalow in Korschenbroich seemed promising at first glance, yet its single-storey layout and aging condition—despite mature trees gracing the garden—fell short of the owners' vision for expanded living space and modern comfort. Architect Florian Schmitz from Korschenbroich crafted a thoughtful renovation that adds another storey, refreshes the structure, and reconfigures its layout with disciplined minimalism and carefully considered material contrasts.
From day one, the clients and architect shared a vision: the bungalow would respect its original 1960s cubic language and harmonize with the neighborhood's diverse character—not overwhelm it. This guided a key decision: only the rear section of the L-shaped building would rise higher, following the installation of a structural support deck. The result balances proportion and clarity through deliberate material choices. Hand-fired Danish clinker bricks clad the original storey in warm, dimensional detail, while a crisp white plaster wraps the new cube above. Throughout the day, shifting light and shadow give the façade an almost narrative quality—it doesn't merely look renewed; it tells a new story. Large, dark-framed windows on the ground floor dissolve boundaries between interior and garden, making the outdoor space an extension of daily living. The open living-dining area is anchored by a seamless, fully recyclable cast-resin floor that amplifies spaciousness while reinforcing the home's reduced, decisive architectural language. Natural stone surfaces on kitchen counters and bathroom walls introduce subtle textural contrast. Bespoke wooden elements—a shelving unit with integrated sideboard and a dining table carved from a single tree trunk—weave material warmth throughout, bringing organic tactility to the precisely ordered rooms. The home achieves KfW55 energy efficiency standards and integrates a KNX system for intelligent control of all building systems.
Photography:
Marcello Bartolotta
www.derfotograf.nrw
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|25)
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