This recently completed project pushed Jens Backes to his limits. The Essen-based architect and building surveyor undertook a comprehensive renovation of a heritage-listed house in Essen-Rüttenscheid, breathing new life into two apartments and creating additional residential space. Originally constructed in 1910 as a two-family dwelling, the building sustained considerable damage during World War II.

Today, it houses five residential units with multiple owners. The renovation proved to be a genuine Herculean undertaking—not just in coordinating with the building authority and heritage preservation office, but also in finding qualified trades. When the structural frame was inspected, charred rafters emerged from behind the wall cladding—likely remnants of a bombing raid. "The roof, with its complex projections and recesses, is far from standard. We faced rejection after rejection. Many roofing contractors simply wouldn't touch such a demanding project," Backes explains. That's precisely why he has tremendous respect for the company that took it on. The carpenters delivered outstanding work, carefully dismantling and reconstructing the steep mansard rafters section by section. Every day's work had to end with weather protection tarps in place—a critical safeguard against rain damage to the structure.

A full-scale enclosure proved unfeasible given the roof's complex geometry and prohibitive costs. The project demanded careful navigation between the owners' aspirations, strict budget parameters, and building code requirements. The team repeatedly revisited workflows and their cascading effects on the entire scope. The results vindicate their determination. Negotiations with the heritage authority proved challenging yet collaborative, as Backes reflects. The 96 m² attic apartment now features a 2.5 m² loggia. Where the kitchen once stood, a contemporary bathroom with shower, separate guest toilet, and compact kitchen now occupy the space. The former bathroom square footage was reclaimed for the living area. Strategic alcove removal in the bedroom created additional breathing room, while a bespoke fitted wardrobe defines the hallway. The owner partnered closely on numerous refinements—from bathroom tilework to the herringbone oak parquet that flows throughout.

www.backes-architekten.de

Photography:

Dr. L. Krammenschneider

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|25)