A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity

A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The renovation of a villa from 1896, designed by Albert Eisenlohr, serves as a remarkable example of respectful preservation of a listed building. The two-story villa, which has remained well-preserved over the years, underwent a comprehensive refurbishment following water damage in the attic. The project carefully maintained the historical substance while incorporating modern accents, achieving a seamless integration of past and present.

The client chose to preserve the villa’s striking architectural features, such as the generous room layouts and intricately adorned stucco ceilings. Historic windows were meticulously restored, and the classic doors, integral to the house’s character, were renewed in compliance with heritage preservation standards. This approach maintains the building’s original charm while adapting the spatial concept to meet the needs of a seven-member family.

The modernized interiors are defined by a thoughtful selection of materials: oak herringbone parquet flooring with a surrounding border replaces the old floors, while the walls are predominantly painted in soft, muted tones that contrast beautifully with the white stucco ceilings. This deliberate differentiation between historical elements and new materials creates a balanced and respectful modernization.

In the attic, which required complete renovation due to water damage, the walls, floors, and ceilings were renewed while preserving the original room height and atmosphere. Similarly, the previously unused basement was transformed into additional, modern living space through a thoughtful redesign.

Special highlights of the renovation are the bathrooms, intentionally designed to contrast with the villa's traditional aesthetic. Modern design elements take center stage here, with bold colors, Jura limestone floors, and contemporary fixtures harmonizing with the historical architecture without overshadowing it. These spaces create an intriguing contrast to the otherwise classic living areas of the villa.

The renovation successfully prepared the villa for a large family while maintaining its historical identity. Care was taken to integrate previous renovations carried out over the past 20 years, renewing only the areas that were directly affected. This approach avoided unnecessary interventions and ensured that the building was modernized as a cohesive whole.

With a construction budget of approximately €450,000 net and a construction period of around eight months, this project demonstrates how historical architecture can be harmoniously combined with contemporary demands. The renovation of the villa proves that a thoughtful engagement with history does not conflict with modern use but rather forms the foundation for a successful blend of tradition and innovation.

The renovation prepared the villa for use by a large family while preserving its historical identity. At the same time, careful attention was given to integrating all renovations carried out over the past twenty years and limiting work to areas that were genuinely affected. This approach avoided unnecessary interventions, enabling the building to be modernized as a cohesive whole.