The area surrounding Lake Baldeney in Essen ranks among the region's most coveted residential neighborhoods. Nestled in the Ruhr Valley where the reservoir curves gracefully, stood an aging colliery cottage. Its owners envisioned a home with more space for their growing family – and the opportunity to give the structure a comprehensive energy retrofit. A complete rethinking of the home's layout became the natural next step.

Ruhring, the Witten-based firm tasked with the project, engaged the existing structure from day one. The team carefully restored the original façade while introducing a striking modern extension – clean-lined, purposeful, and distinctly contemporary. Both structures maintain their own visual identity: the original building in white rendered plaster contrasts beautifully with the new wing's warm wooden cladding. Together, they compose a cohesive whole. Set slightly back from the original, the extension was built using timber frame construction. Thermally treated silver fir cladding lends the house an inviting, warm quality. The recessed façade at the entrance creates an expansive portal – a welcoming threshold that draws visitors in immediately. A bold red front door serves as a striking landmark, visible from a distance and announcing arrival. The entrance vestibule features durable Italian ceramic tiles in concrete tones. From here, a staircase ascends to the upper floor while a direct route leads into the newly expanded living area, flowing seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space of the original structure. The modern, open-plan rooms are grounded by solid, naturally oiled oak flooring that reinforces the warm, inviting atmosphere throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while the terrace and adjoining garden become a natural extension of living space on pleasant days.

A new staircase with crosswise corridor axes gracefully unites the two building volumes. Designed as an open feature, it's separated by glass walls in the upper reaches to provide acoustic privacy. A generous window opening toward the roof terrace ensures the staircase receives abundant natural light. The first floor gained a spacious children's room, while the attic houses a studio area with access to an expansive roof terrace – from which views of the nearby Baldeney Lake are even possible. The project earned first place in the "Audience Award" category at the 2018 Heinze Architect Awards.

www.ruhring.com

Photography Credits:

Falko Wübbecke
www.falko-wuebbecke.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 01|20)