It's hardly conceivable that such a cramped, shadowy attic could transform into a luminous, spatially dynamic maisonette. Yet that's precisely what happened—and under the added complexity of strict heritage protection requirements for the remaining floors. This was the challenge two brothers brought to Frey Architects in 2016 when they decided to restore their family home, originally rebuilt by their grandfather after World War II. What followed was a compelling design journey.

From the start, the project hinged on a fundamental principle: respectfully honoring the building's rich history while carefully introducing contemporary interventions. Historical elements were meticulously preserved and restored, their character underscored by thoughtful modern additions. The brothers themselves undertook painstaking work, completing historic tile and terrazzo flooring, uncovering and reviving wall coverings in the winter gardens, and revealing the layers beneath. Rather than erase the marks of previous renovations, they celebrated them—creating an intriguing dialogue between turn-of-the-century window frames, 1920s box windows, and 1950s double glazing, all now enhanced with modern thermal performance. Material transitions in the flooring quietly document floor plan adjustments made for updated bathrooms. Open kitchens flow into dining areas and directly onto the winter gardens, anchoring each apartment. The attic told a different story. Damaged by an incendiary bomb in World War II, it had been hastily rebuilt as a low-pitched temporary roof. Close coordination with the heritage authority made it possible to construct a modern timber structure using cross-laminated wood elements, inspired by the Stuttgart roof design of the adjacent building. This created the foundation for an open, generous floor plan with a soaring two-story void and virtually no interior columns—only a sculptural cube, multifunctional from every angle, gently organizing the flowing space. A sweeping panoramic window floods the interior with light and frames captivating views.

www.freyarchitekten.de

Photography Credits:

Sebastian Schels
www.schels.net

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|24)