The bones of this attic conversion in Flingern were already promising: underground parking, an elevator reaching the top floor, and the view—spectacular sunsets across the neighborhood's roofscape have become a cherished ritual for the residents since the new loggia took shape. Architect René Brouns of Schwarzgold Architekten shares this fascination. His practice brought this ambitious renovation to completion over two years, building on prior experience with the owner's corporate headquarters.

The original layout spread various functions across just under 160 m² with little coherence—an entrance, open-plan kitchen with dining zone, and two separate "apartments" with en suite bathrooms. The challenge was to unify these disparate elements and weave them into a harmonious sequence. "We achieved this through a series of sightlines," Brouns explains. "By opening the hallway, we created a kind of internal passage that draws the public spaces together as one." The moment you enter, the meticulous design approach becomes evident. Blue upholstered walls and ceiling at the entry absorb sound, while a mirrored wall opposite creates a sense of openness. Warm oak tones run throughout almost the entire living space, reappearing as built-in cabinetry in the bathroom and as a kitchen counter accent. The kitchen and gallery flow across two levels, connected by a minimalist white staircase leading to the upper living area. A hard-won loggia with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows floods the space with light and opens onto a terrace. The existing terraces were expertly restored and fitted with treated oak decking. Large windows and custom interior furnishings extend throughout. On Architecture Day—June 18, 2022—the architect and owner look forward to sharing the intricate craftsmanship behind every element: the 4.5-meter kitchen canopy, the nearly invisible integration of built-ins, and the precision joinery that makes the staircase railing seem weightless.

www.schwarzgold-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Gregor Theune
www.gregortheune.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|22)