Renovation of a Pre-War Apartment

Apartment O , Stuttgart

A shelf becomes a staircase, the bathroom hides behind a secret door, and the workspace reveals itself theatrically behind a curtain. As an iconic moment, a large roof window opens up a view of Stuttgart’s television tower. In an unassuming 1930s apartment building, a surprising and carefully designed gem emerges—boldly breaking away from conventional notions of living.

From Compartmentalized Floor Plan to Open Living Space

The attic floor of the 1935 building in Stuttgart’s east consisted of two small apartments (44 m² and 67 m²) and a converted attic space above. The existing layout did not match the lifestyle of the ambitious owner, who envisioned an open, flexible home shaped by his cosmopolitan experience in Luxembourg, the UK, and Munich. The goal was a generous, light-filled layout with strong spatial relations and individual functionality.

A Spatial Concept Between Everyday Life and Staging

By removing non-load-bearing walls, exposing the ceiling structure between attic and roof space, and tailoring the spatial configuration to the resident’s habits, the former narrow and angular dwelling transformed into a contemporary, open environment. The central kitchen, a passion project for the enthusiastic home cook, became the heart of the apartment. Around it, the sleeping area, open dining zone, and a hidden bathroom—disguised within a built-in cabinet—were seamlessly arranged.

Living spaces should adapt to people – not people to the space.

Transformative Living

A full-width curtain wall separates the space from the neighboring building, acting as both acoustic and visual boundary. When drawn aside, it reveals a workspace and storage area—offering functional adaptability throughout the day. The apartment gains a second identity: library, office, or quiet retreat, depending on the scenario. Soft textiles replace solid walls, bringing flexibility and elegance to the spatial concept.

Sculptural Staircase and Spatial Continuity

A custom-designed furniture piece made from black MDF connects the main level to the upper attic space: a walkable bookshelf doubling as a staircase. The ceiling was stripped back to its original beam structure, opening new spatial connections between dining, working, and upper living areas. Previously used for storage, the attic has been elevated to a tranquil living space with views of the surrounding vineyards and the iconic Stuttgart TV tower.

Function and design should complement each other in a way that creates added value.

Materiality with Character and Intent

The selection of materials and colors follows a clear design logic: natural, vibrant, and confident. Untreated, lye-washed Douglas fir planks from the Black Forest form the warm base. The black MDF staircase, salmon-red painted roof beams, and carefully chosen textiles and wall colors add contrast. Each element was chosen deliberately to create an atmosphere that feels both calm and expressive—understated, yet distinctive.

Interior Architecture as Dialoguet

This renovation is the result of a close, creative dialogue between architect and client. The design was not created for the owner, but with him—through a collaborative process that took personal visions seriously and transformed them into architectural quality. Apartment O exemplifies that interior architecture should never be designed in isolation, but always emerge from an open exchange—reflecting the unique identity of its inhabitants.