Sharply Refined
A residential building in northern Cologne rediscovers itself through thoughtful renovation
When a young family acquired this 1960s home, they envisioned an energy-efficient upgrade that would open up the interiors—creating more generous, flowing spaces without major structural changes. Axel Steudel Architekten's renovation strategy leverages the building's inherent strengths to give it renewed character and presence, both inside and out.
The two-story home sits in what was once a uniform neighborhood of similar residential structures. Decades of piecemeal renovations had fragmented the streetscape into an eclectic mix of cubic forms. This renovation needed to balance two goals: reinforcing community character while asserting architectural distinction. With minimal structural intervention, the fragmented floor plan was transformed into open, generous spaces while preserving the building's core logic. The facades received equal attention. The street-facing elevation—already dampened by nearby school bus traffic—remains appropriately restrained, while the garden side now opens generously with floor-to-ceiling glazing. Street-facing rooms benefit from strategically positioned windows that dramatically shape the light, as do the master bath and upper-floor hall, now brightened by skylights. Multiple facade details reinforce the building's cubic language. Most striking is the undulating recess at ground level on the street side—reshaped during renovation with an organic, wave-like quality. Rounded coves crown the roof edges, softening the building's mass while sharpening its visual presence. The exterior masonry received durable mineral wool insulation and thick mineral plaster finish. The broom-brushed plaster, applied without a base course, emphasizes the stacked, layered quality of the building's cubic form. Shell limestone paving echoes this material palette on the terrace. Wooden windows are finished gray on the exterior for weather protection, while interior surfaces remain natural to visually connect with the interior doors. Every material choice was made with an eye toward sustaining this home for decades to come.
Photography:
Christian Eblenkamp
www.christian-eblenkamp.de
(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|24)
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