A Townhouse Transformed

Energy-efficient renovation gives a residential building new presence on the street

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Platzhoffstrasse Street – overall view – Photographer Sigurd Steinprinz – 10,700 pixels

Platzhoffstrasse – ground floor – Photographer Sigurd Steinprinz – 15,700 pixels

Platzhoffstrasse – courtyard – Photographer Sigurd Steinprinz – 10,700 pixels

Platzhoffstrasse – existing condition – edited by Rocho Architects – B&W – 10,700 pixels

Nestled in a Wuppertal neighborhood renowned for its exceptional concentration of listed heritage buildings, this 1964 residential property presented an awkward presence—its white-tiled façade and modest window openings wedged uncomfortably between the grand Wilhelminian-era facades of its neighbors. The owners envisioned a comprehensive transformation: the building would be brought to the highest 2020 KfW efficiency standard, the ground-floor office space would become residential, and two small attic apartments would merge into one generous unit with a full-width dormer. The roof would receive new insulation and weatherproofing to match.

Rocho Architekten's elegant solution demonstrates how thoughtful design can achieve remarkable results with minimal structural intervention. By reinterpreting the neighborhood's historic facades in contemporary language, the architects transformed the building's presence. A mineral thermal insulation system now clads both front and rear facades, finished with smooth plaster. Triple-glazed windows replace the originals, their reveals detailed with crisp white recesses. The new entrance door aligns proportionally with the windows above, while horizontal cornices below each window echo the rhythm of neighboring facades. At the base, a dark vertical tooth-strip texture grounds the composition. The result: a building that stands confidently in its streetscape while remaining visually connected to its historic context.

www.rocho-architekten.de