House Leaf | Ground Floor and 1st Floor
A 1960s House Reimagined with a Bright, Sunlit Basement
Design and Interior Design:
Nadja Schildknecht
Architectural plans and technical drawings:
SAM Architects (renovation of ground and 1st floors)
Construction management:
Mario Rosinus (renovation of ground and 1st floors)
From an impractical layout to a modern, light-filled living space: The house was completely reimagined. Through various design decisions, thoughtful lighting, a newly defined basement, and the harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, it now shines in a completely new light.
The poorly thought-out floor plan made it difficult for many to see the house’s potential. I, however, saw the opportunity to fully realize it. With a strong sense of spatial design, the house was completely redefined. Walls were removed, and rooms were expanded, so that it feels as though the house has always been this way. Even the bathroom received a fresh, modern look. To make my vision more tangible, I built a rough model of the house, which SAM Architects used as the basis for the detailed construction plans, which were then executed in close collaboration with the construction manager.
By 2016, the upper floors were completed, while the basement remained untouched, as expansion was not approved at the time. For the ground floor, I chose furniture that seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor areas. The materials were deliberately chosen in darker tones to create a calm atmosphere and direct attention to the garden. Additionally, only a few, carefully placed colors were used to optimally showcase the oasis of well-being. Chairs and accessories are changed according to the season, giving the room a new, seasonally appropriate ambiance.
In 2019, the detailed planning of the basement followed. My goal was to design this area to receive more daylight than the ground floor and to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere – without feeling like being underground (see basement with daylight).
The rooms were completely rethought. The basement was not intended to be just a cellar or fitness room, but an integral part of the living area, with its own charm and cozy ambiance. Fitness activities in the annex with a view of the garden are more enjoyable, and the sauna in the bathroom with views of the greenery transforms the space into a true wellness oasis.
Special attention was also given to the lighting. Here, too, I took over the main planning myself and ensured close coordination with the professionals for implementation. After the structural work on the basement was completed, I also took over the full construction management. It was a pleasure to bring my ideas to life with passion and precision together with the experts. The result: In addition to the renovations of the ground and upper floors, a bright, sunlit basement
From an impractical layout to a modern, light-filled living space: The house was completely reimagined. Through various design decisions, thoughtful lighting, a newly defined basement, and the harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, it now shines in a completely new light.