Reiken

The city is remarkably good at collecting things. Its attractiveness draws in people and objects that make use of it and vice versa. Sometimes, that means space is in short supply. A historic house stands on a narrow plot. The building ends at its original rear façade — with no extension — making room for an urban patio. The residents already live vertically. It’s a charming way of life, happening rather organically, though not without the occasional spatial friction.

The design will accommodate that lifestyle. The entrance hall, currently with a split stair, is reconfigured with a new staircase that allows smooth communication between the basement and bel étage. Due to structural issues, the entire bel étage floor needs to be replaced. It will be installed at a higher level, distributing ceiling height more evenly between the two floors.
Generous heights without digging, a risky endeavour in this context. The urban garage and entrance hall act as a buffer, shielding the living space and patio from the busy street. The bel étage houses a kitchen, dining area, a small workspace under the stairs, and a compact terrace.
Several new openings on this level allow the full width of the house to be experienced in multiple places.

The ochre-coloured rear façade cuts through the greyness, even on a rainy day. Around the windows, the white plaster reflects light and gives each opening a sense of place and identity.
The patio remains unbuilt, the house hasn’t grown. When everything is properly placed, there’s no need for more space.