The intention with this project, for which an undeveloped attic storey space of some 80 m˛ and an apartment of 33 m˛ located beneath it are available as potential space, was to provide simultaneously an open residential/dining and working area of above-average size together with a “backstage” required for an apartment of this size, such as two main rooms, bathroom, WC, and storage areas. The correct static and functional choice for the stairway penetration on the one hand, and the minimisation of traffic movement areas on the other, determined the spatial and functional concept of the apartment from the outset. The two rooms and the bathroom required were arranged above one another on the other side of the stairwell, and separated from the remaining space by a two-storey wall/glass sculpture. The trapezoidal and rectangular glass surfaces incorporated into the outer wall, the chimney wall, and the ceiling were provided with the spatial depth of the partitioned-off rooms as an additional depth dimension for the large space and the corridor beneath, as well as enhancing their natural light potential. The stairway to the residential areas was designed as an extra-light “ladder-like” steel stairway, which does not cut off the natural light available from the window in the landing area, but distributes it upwards and downwards into the depth of the corridor. In lower part of the outlet from the stairway, the WC box, bath, and storage areas were connected to a “catwalk” 1 metre in width, as a furniture element. The WC/storage area box located beneath the stairway was designed as orange in colour throughout, in order to give the corridor a visual impression of generous dimensions, while still providing the stairway with a specific function. For natural lighting, the WC box was provided with an opaque glass ceiling. A “mobile box” was also located beneath the stairway landing, in the Blue Area, which partially replaced the additional storage area required. In general, all the basic furniture elements such as bookshelves, wardrobes, cloakroom, table and kitchen were assigned key colours, in order to set them apart deliberately from the otherwise freely-designed “upper space” and provide them with the most generous dimensions possible. The large living space, with kitchen, dining area, work area, and cloakroom, was held unsupported thanks to a “load-bearing rafter structure” incorporated in the gypsum plasterboard/insulation intermediate space, which therefore left the space functionally open. Terrace and kitchen are connected to each other by large sliding doors, and the outside of the terrace at all times gives the effect of being a spatial extension to the attic space.
Fotos: Hertha Hurnaus