When Eva Wiechert first stood before the house, built in 1911 by the former Stern Brewery in Essen-Leithe, it lay hidden behind 17 towering firs that rose up around the structure. Yet the artist and collector immediately sensed that this was a special historic building—one that was simply waiting to be restored to its former glory.

In 2017, she acquired the semi-detached property with 220 m² of living space, had the firs removed, and with dedicated support and her own hands, began a comprehensive restoration of the house while preserving the timeless elegance of its architecture, bringing it up to contemporary technical standards. The leaking roof was repaired, the attic was converted, and windows were crafted anew following their historical design. The bathtub that still occupied the kitchen was removed, and the tiles there—which had to make way for new underfloor heating—found new life in the wine cellar. The work sometimes felt like a treasure hunt that unfolded over months and years: surprising details continually emerged from beneath layers of questionable "improvements" made by previous owners. Ornamental stucco elements adorning the high ceilings, curved door frames, and a glazed element with period windows above the bathroom door were brought back to light, restored, and partially reconstructed. The original pedestal radiators fit beautifully as authentic details. "I'm certain this house found me, not the other way around," Eva Wiechert reflects. Both sides clearly benefited: the house recovered much of its former charm, and Eva Wiechert was able to subtly weave her design signature throughout every room. Eight rooms, an attic floor, and a cellar with sauna required her thoughtful attention. The entrance area alone delights: the original front door was brought up to the latest security standards with the greatest respect for its historic precedent; a vestibule with a swing door and leaded glass opens into a light-filled hallway featuring a graceful, curved oak staircase. Wood paneling gleams in white, a bathroom wall showcases bold concrete finishing, and each room received its own distinctive color palette. In the kitchen, a granite-topped cooking island commands attention, while the living room features a cast concrete fireplace. Throughout the home, one encounters the interior designer's artwork—paintings and handcrafted sculptures that lend each room a distinctive character. A glimpse into the beautiful garden reveals that this passion for detail extends far beyond the interior—it flourishes outside as well.

www.atelier7e.com

Photos:
Eva Wiechert

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 04|25)