In this renovation project, we sought to combine the original features of the old building, including high ceilings and large windows, with all the conveniences of a modern home.
Elements such as the ceiling mouldings, the original exposed brick archway, the proportion of the flashing, baseboards and height of the doors, the dimensions of the balcony doors, etc. were maintained to preserve the stately, classic style of the 1910s, when the building was originally constructed for the owners of a lighting factory located in what was then a relatively undeveloped area next to the city centre.
One of the most striking aspects of the project is the excellent result achieved by the new layout: the apartment has a usable area of just 87m2 yet gives a sense of space suggestive of a far larger home. The two large sliding doors made from oak wood lend a degree of flexibility to the space, allowing it to be enjoyed fully open-plan or to be divided into more intimate spaces if required.
At various points in the apartment, including the kitchen and the master bathroom, we incorporated ceramic motifs, playing with different designs and finishes, which are sometimes bold but always in keeping with the decorative aesthetic of the early 20th century.
We were able to harness the natural light filling the apartment by rearranging the layout of the space and by changing the colours of the walls, ceilings and finishes.
By the end of the process, we had created an apartment full of character which reflects the personality of the owners, with whom we shared many hours of work and study as we searched for solutions to the various challenges posed by the project.