Built in 1739 in Kaiserswerth's historic old town alongside two neighboring houses, this residential property is protected as part of a significant architectural ensemble. Little remains of its original structure beyond the historic vaulted cellar and fragments of the original load-bearing construction.

The renovation strategy, developed by Düsseldorf's RKW Architektur+ with developer plan.schmoll Projektentwicklungsgesellschaft, combined façade restoration with a carefully planned rear extension. This thoughtful intervention creates a serene inner courtyard, anchored by a bronze wall relief from sculptor Josef Schneider. A second phase added a garage accessible from a parallel street, with both structures and original brick walls now framing a peaceful, sun-filled garden centered around a water lily pond. The true revelation came when removing plaster exposed a 300-year-old oak and clay half-timbered frame in unexpected condition. Rather than compromise, the team committed to meticulous restoration—replacing compromised oak beams and renewing clay infill—restoring the house's authentic tactile character. Solid wooden floors throughout, period-appropriate lattice windows and doors, renewed building systems, underfloor heating, updated bathrooms, and a gas fireplace in the expanded living area reflect this commitment to both preservation and modern comfort. The original narrow wooden staircase was carefully preserved with new floorboards, a poignant reminder of the weaver family's modest past. The deliberate, measured pace of planning and construction proved worthwhile, offering everyone involved the deep satisfaction of watching this sensitive project unfold.

www.rkw.plus

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|20)