Alt-Niederkassel, situated on the left bank of the Rhine, remains one of the state capital's districts that have preserved their village charm. Düsseldorf architect Jonas Hofmann of the Hofmann architectural group grew up here – as did the owner of a former farmhouse now being transformed into a family residence. Both shared a passion for respectfully modernizing the 1866 building while keeping its original character legible, ensuring the gabled structure continues to feel like an integral part of the neighborhood's organic fabric.

Renovation constraints demanded creative restraint: existing building codes and setback requirements ruled out any demolition or extension. The building retained its original proportions entirely, while its plaster façade received a comprehensive upgrade using sustainable, durable insulation crafted from ecological materials. Externally, the house preserves its authentic character—only carefully conceived details reveal the thoughtful intervention: a subtly projecting entry portal and slightly chamfered window recesses signal the layering of old and new. The eaves-side bay window, a contemporary addition, revives the rural tradition of "keeping an eye on the street"—observing who passes by the door or lingers in the lane. Inside, modern living expectations merge seamlessly with the house's traditional layout. Ground-floor living and dining spaces open onto a rear courtyard anchored by a plane tree, while bedrooms and children's rooms occupy the attic story. The loft was strategically opened, with a suspended safety net defining a distinctive play and leisure zone. Compact room sequences were thoughtfully reorganized to allow flexible reconfiguration into larger units, preserving the farmhouse's spatial logic. The restoration revealed unexpected challenges: the deteriorated structure necessitated nearly complete internal reconstruction. Yet the original roof frame and historic wooden staircase survived—the latter ingeniously adapted to the new floor heights. Building systems required equal care, threaded through existing spaces with precision. Today, the airtight, heavily insulated home—equipped with a ground-source heat pump, radiant floor heating, PV arrays, and balanced ventilation with heat recovery—meets KfW 70 efficiency standards.

www.architektengruppe.info

Photography:
Marius Haseloff

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|24)