Reaching New Heights
A top-floor penthouse in a historic villa creates an extraordinary spatial experience
To reimagine a residential attic in a historic villa, architect Claudia Grotegut opened up the ceiling to the former loft across the entire floor. The result is a breathtaking open space with dramatic views up to the ridge, enhanced by an impressive dormer window stretching over eight metres in length. Here, the phrase "no room to grow" takes on its most literal meaning.
The living space spans approximately 70 m², though the actual footprint is larger—much of it tucked under the sloping roofline and only partially counted in the official calculation. This architectural constraint became an opportunity: built-in storage niches with depths reaching 1.4 meters maximize every inch of available space. Structural collar beams, preserved for load-bearing reasons, have been carefully restored and left exposed as striking architectural elements. A sophisticated lighting scheme floats above, engineered to shift the room's character as natural light fades throughout the day. Dimmable linear fixtures run the length of the space, casting soft indirect light upward and downward in perfect balance. Sculptural pendant lights—some bold statement pieces, others delicate and playful—punctuate the design according to the residents' preferences. The stairwell has gained unexpected richness through generous skylight openings and accent wall sconces that add shadow and depth. Oak herringbone flooring anchors the design, while refined tones from a premium paint palette create a cohesive, understated backdrop. Custom wall cabinetry by designer Claudia Grotegut and a thoughtfully appointed walk-in closet blend seamlessly into the space. One particularly elegant detail: felt-lined wardrobe interiors provide tactile warmth while subtly absorbing acoustic reflections in this soaring volume.
Since the attic already held residential approval, the existing escape and rescue routes were retained—only the generous dormer and loft opening required a building permit. The renovation modernized the entire roof system with comprehensive insulation above, between, and below the rafters, delivering thermal performance that surpasses standard new construction codes. A state-of-the-art air conditioning system now runs entirely on renewable energy from an expansive rooftop photovoltaic installation. Summer's ready when you are.
Photography:
Lioba Schneider
www.liobaschneider.de
(From CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|24)
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