The owners fell in love with the charm of this 1920s semi-detached home. They saw its potential—like many buildings from this era, it appeared sturdy at first glance. The generously proportioned rooms could be easily adapted to suit a modern family's needs. The renovation plan aimed to preserve the building's original character while giving it a contemporary face. During construction, however, the team discovered that decades of wear had taken a serious toll. Over a century of history had left its mark. A complete gut renovation became necessary, with basement walls, interior walls, and ceilings requiring replacement. Only then could the semi-detached house be brought up to current technical and energy standards.

Reassessing the floor plan revealed an immediate need: the ground floor living space required both more room and a greater sense of openness. Mattes // Eppmann Architects responded by removing walls to create one generous living zone. Minimal white cube units serve as built-in furniture, subtly defining distinct living areas. Beneath the new balcony, the kitchen opens into a compact winter garden—a "window" framing views of the surrounding garden. A custom fireplace acts as a natural divider between the lounge, reading nook, and music space. Throughout the interior, every surface receives a uniform white finish, creating a seamless visual continuity between what was there before and what's new. Handleless cabinetry reinforces this refined simplicity, while even the kitchen's extractor hood disappears from view when not in use. In the entrance, shoe storage and coat racks blend invisibly into the timber-frame structure. Strategic hidden storage solutions appear throughout—turning every corner into an opportunity.

The restored wooden floors and original staircase strike a warm counterpoint to the white surfaces, their rich patina glowing against the neutral backdrop. Treasured family furniture and artwork complete the picture, adding personality to each room. Original architectural details have been preserved and thoughtfully highlighted, telling the home's story while serving practical purposes—including the built-in cabinetry integrated into the half-timbered walls for essential storage. Upstairs, three bedrooms accommodate the family of six, supported by three bathrooms and a flexible attic space perfect for various uses.

www.m-e-architekten.de

Photography:
Victor S. Brigola
www.victorbrigola.com

m//e Architects

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|24)