Historic streetscapes demand careful stewardship. In Rodenkirchen, preserving the character of a period row of houses was essential—even when renovating individual units. For HPA+ Architektur, this proved particularly complex, as the building's twin structure remained intact. Exterior interventions were limited to necessities: window replacement and new roofing. The real transformation happened within. The catch? The living spaces needed to accommodate future tenants whose needs remained unknown. Flexibility became paramount.

The spatial organization retained its underlying logic, yet individual rooms and functional zones were carefully recalibrated to maximize adaptability. The result: luminous, flowing interiors defined by expansive garden-facing windows. Sustainability was integral to the approach—roof and basement ceiling insulation upgrades the building's thermal performance, while an innovative shared biomass heating system with the neighboring property ensures efficient energy use.

Honoring the past while embracing the contemporary shaped every material decision. Terrazzo grounds the ground floor in the building's original era, while wood flooring in living and sleeping areas introduces warmth and modern refinement. Yet the most compelling dialogue between old and new emerges through the restored original wooden staircase—a tangible reminder of the home's heritage. The attic presented its own design puzzle: opening to the roof ridge with dormers and skylights flooding deep into the space with daylight. A new bathroom anchors its functionality. The result speaks for itself: whether accommodating a growing family or providing a smaller household with dedicated home office space, this home adapts to life as it unfolds.

www.hpa.de

Photography Credits:

Detlef Podehl
www.podehl.com

(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 04|22)