A sprawling property and a spacious home – the ideal foundation for a growing family. Yet this classic 1950s residence carried the unmistakable patina of its era. That changed when architect Tanja Groß stepped in, transforming the aging white house into a contemporary family home. Her vision combined thoughtful renovation with strategic expansion, including a separate living unit on the ground floor. "The goal," Groß explains, "was to create a flexible multi-generational home – ensuring the entire family could continue living together as needs evolved."

Equally important was breathing new life into the expansive garden, which had remained largely disconnected from the home's interior. The solution: nearly complete transparency between inside and out. Frameless windows and a generous extension with a rooftop terrace dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior living space. Strategic glazing elements in both façade and roof—fully operable for flexibility—ensure the landscape becomes an extension of the home. A transparent conservatory further amplifies this seamless flow, allowing residents to experience the garden's seasonal beauty from every room.

To maximize this newfound natural light, the living, dining, and kitchen zones were carefully calibrated. The design also introduces a luxurious wellness area and technical spaces—both thoughtfully integrated according to the program requirements.
Outside, the street-facing façade received a complete refresh alongside modern energy upgrades. "We honored the building's classic stucco character," Groß notes, "paying homage to its 1950s heritage while moving it forward." The landscaping underwent equal transformation, with the terrain carefully leveled to open unobstructed views across the countryside. The crowning feature: a striking pool positioned directly before a sculptural outbuilding clad in raw concrete.

www.tanja-gross-architektur.de

Photography Credits:

Lars Langemeier
www.larslangemeier.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|21)