Renovation of a Classic Apartment in Rotterdam

Dutch practice 2by4-architects have renovated an old apartment in Rotterdam in collaboration with FT studio. The architects have combined two old apartments and renovated and transformed them into one house.

From the architects, “A modern apartment in which light and air make the space a striking experience. Through the new position of stairs the whole organization and routing of the dwelling was changed.

The main entrance is now situated in a hallway with a double height ceiling in the heart of the dwelling. The pre-existing doors on the second level are connected to this new space, overlooking the central hall like a French balcony. The void divides the space and visually connects them at the same time.

The main stairs are designed as one big furniture executed in materials similar to the floor, thus generating a sense of continuity. They were built by placing recycled wooden steps on top of old harbor poles. The space underneath the stairs is used for different purposes such as cabinets for wardrobe , shoes storage, washing machine and even a bathroom. A big skylight located just above the upper stairs carries down sunlight as far as two stories lower.

The kitchen is placed in the attic. By reducing the area of the slanting roof a large terrace is designed adjacent to the kitchen, connected to by a huge sliding door. For the delivery of groceries a small freight elevator is built into one of the kitchen cabinets.

Guests can be hosted in a self-supported mini-apartment built inside the house. Antique details such as the ceiling decoration, panel doors and door frames are preserved to maintain a historical feeling among this modern dwelling.”