Understated, timeless, yet confident—this heritage-listed residence, designed by celebrated Cologne architect Fritz Schaller, makes a lasting impression. Even after comprehensive renovation and expansion, it remains virtually indistinguishable from its neighbors in the uniformly designed settlement. Only when stepping into the rear area does the true scope of Benjamin von Pidoll Architektur's vision become apparent: they've added an expressive spatial sequence and compelling new functions while honoring the building's protected status.

Sometimes the most inventive solutions emerge from constraints. What began as a space crisis for a seven-person family in a protected heritage building led Benjamin von Pidoll Architektur to think boldly: they would expand downward. This approach brought formidable challenges—navigating an extensive approval process, coordinating with preservation authorities, and maintaining the family's daily life throughout three years of phased construction. The transformation began with the ground floor: a reimagined entrance, living, and working area opened up through flowing sightlines and a striking sculptural element. A multifunctional volume housing media systems, bar storage, and a fireplace anchors this space. A 2,500-liter saltwater aquarium in the living area creates a generous visual connection to the outdoors from the entrance. Warm walnut and oak woods, punctuated by original Solnhofen stone flooring, establish the material palette throughout. The master bath exemplifies this restraint—milled natural stone walls and warm oak accents surround a softly elegant washbasin. As the upper floors took shape, the underground expansion began in earnest.

The greatest challenge lay in raising the shallow existing basement to match the new extension's height—a feat accomplished through careful underpinning with piled foundations. The resulting underground lounge opens to a light-filled atrium, its boundary elegantly defined by an elongated infinity pool. Double-shell walls clad in shell limestone create a refined texture, embedding the space like a carefully preserved treasure within the garden's topography. A nearly frameless glass wall dissolves completely into a side pocket, allowing interior and exterior to merge seamlessly. Light becomes the lounge's crowning achievement: at the room's far end, daylight cascades like a waterfall across natural stone walls and the staircase into the atrium. The interplay of atrium light and skylining along the length of the space generates ever-shifting shadows and atmospheric moods—particularly luminous at dusk. Above, garden designer Peter Berg created an individually planted landscape with refined spatial zoning, offering diverse gathering spaces for all ages. New and old maintain their distinct identities here, yet they compose a harmonious whole united by thoughtful design continuity.

www.vonpidoll.de

Photography Credits:

Philip Kistner
www.philipkistner.com

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|24)