References

Recycling of an apartment building

Rorschach, CH

Recycled apartment building with a new external staircase and timber arcades

Retain, reuse, reinterpret

Client, planners and tradespeople worked together in close and constructive exchange to convert this apartment building, predominantly using the existing structure. Blumer Lehmann was responsible for this ‘recycling conversion’ as joint general contractor.

The architects Baubüro in situ have described this conversion project as a TraumRecyclingHaus (dream recycled house). The three-family dwelling built in 1914 was converted into a modern apartment building in a process akin to a transformation. An unusual and challenging aspect of the conversion was that – wherever possible – existing materials were used, concealed features were uncovered, and previously untapped potential was reinterpreted. Our mandate as joint GC included the addition of a steel external staircase with timber arcades. We also extended the flooring in the old stairwell, installed new interior walls and ceiling cladding, and constructed a new dormer.

The addition of this dormer created more living space on the top floor, resulting in a self-contained two-bedroom loft apartment. The three-bedroom apartment on the ground floor and two-bedroom apartment on the first floor were also given a fresh new look, with new and existing structural elements brought together in unity.

Portrait Peter Holenstein Sales Conversion Renovation Staircases Blumer Lehmann

Peter Holenstein

Sales Conversion | Renovation | Staircases | Timber Construction | Switzerland

+41 71 388 58 46
peter.holenstein@blumer-lehmann.com
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Project details

Client:
Private
Architecture:
Baubüro in situ AG
Project type:
Residential construction apartement building
Construction type:
Wood element construction
Services:
Joint GC building shell
Construction:
2020
Locality:
Rorschach
Country:
Switzerland

Links

Kitchen in an accenting colour with wooden floor and green interior features

Existing elements are preserved and complemented with modern interior features. The living spaces look refreshed and updated following the recycling conversion.

Apartment building with new timber arcades

The new and spacious timber arcades elevate the apartments even further and provide plenty of outside space.

Fitted kitchen with cupboard doors in an accenting colour and wooden floor

Old and new are the perfect combination and create harmonious living spaces.

Open-plan kitchen and entrance area with green accenting features

Structural changes and modifications of the previous layout, where considered useful, were carried out and deliberately left visible

Timber arcade

Additional living space in the warmer months: the new timber arcade.

Terrace for the loft apartment with outdoor furniture

A new dormer has transformed the attic rooms into an apartment with a spacious terrace.

Bedroom with wooden floor and light-green accenting features

The interior features are thoughtfully picked out to give the bedroom its elegant feel.