This 1911 protected villa required a return to its original character. After being subdivided into smaller rental units in the post-war years, the departure of tenants from the top floor presented a unique opportunity. Steves & Borsum Architekten seized the moment to reunite the four stories into a cohesive family home. Their carefully considered approach preserves the building's historic fabric while introducing contemporary elements—creating a timeless fusion of old and new.

The renovation began with a complete overhaul of the attic, adding two new bathrooms. A central elevator was then installed to ensure barrier-free access throughout. Next came the critical step: dismantling the original tenant staircase and replacing it with a refined wooden stair featuring a gracefully curved banister that respectfully dialogues with the villa's period aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling steel-and-glass doors now open where walls and apartment entrances once stood, creating an inviting flow between the staircase and each residential floor. These expansive sight lines provide an ideal setting for living alongside modern art. Layered lighting—both functional and atmospheric—bathes the spaces in warmth while tastefully illuminating the artwork. Throughout the project, only biologically sound materials were specified: a load-bearing dry screed base, a screed-free underfloor heating system with wooden boards, and finishes entirely free of synthetics—natural lime plaster and lime wash paint.

www.steves-borsum.com

Photography:
Philipp Steves

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|25)