Small rooms, low ceilings, unused alcoves, and a roof landscape dominated by wood paneling—this is how the 1962 single-family home presented itself before renovation. Interior architect Daniela Meurer's design objective was to fundamentally reimagine the existing 290 m² living space and create an energy-efficient contemporary home for a four-person family with a dog. Additionally, a self-contained annex apartment of 35 m² with its own terrace was planned for the basement.

After complete gutting, the building was retrofitted with technical independence: an air-source heat pump, radiant floor heating, new windows, along with a solar system and thermal insulation composite system complement the structure, which has now grown to 304 m². The greatest challenge lay in the top floor. Low roof clearances and steep roof slopes severely limited usability. A complete second story addition was abandoned in favor of a more precise solution. An underutilized roof terrace made way for a generous timber-frame dormer positioned above the kitchen. Today, it creates a comfortable ceiling height of up to 2.50 meters and forms the spatial backbone of the new upper floor. The newly zoned area now accommodates the master bedroom with dressing area, two bright children's rooms with individual wallpaper designs, a compact home office, and a spacious bathroom. The latter required precision planning down to the millimeter: roof windows were strategically positioned to optimize headroom. Warm beige tones, wood accents, and black fixtures give the bathroom a serene, residential character.

The ground floor was also completely reconceived. The fragmented layout gave way to an open spatial flow with continuous parquet flooring. Targeted wall openings created a seamless living, dining, and cooking area. The black and white kitchen serves as the centerpiece, while color design plays with strategic accents throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large sliding door visually extend the living space into the garden.

www.danielameurer.de

Photos:
Daniela Meurer

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|26)