schmitz

two buildings are situated on a long and narrow property, the space between the houses is fully built up, the existing construction is in poor condition.

the profile of the buildings is reused and reappropriated, a new structure is introduced inside the outer walls of the existing buildings. this basic structure is insulated. the window openings of the new structure follow those of the existing, where this isn’t possible, the wall openings are adjusted. the space between the two buildings is cleared, this is where the courtyards are. a light scaffolding construction is placed in these yards with two sets of stairs. one staircase gives access to the first floor of the two buildings, the other gives access to a raised terrace.

the organization of spaces–a studio apartment, a triplex, offices spaces, an atelier and a woodshop–takes place on the basis of the same principle; the private spaces are small, the shared spaces are large. this principle is applied indoors and outdoors.

in re-appropriating and re-using existing structures, one re-defines where something starts and ends, re-focuses the users’ attention on the things that are already working and finds ways to enhance those aspects of the environment to create architecture.