The
original house, a 1880 townhouse, consisted of a 4 stories brick building. Our
mission was to create 2 different two bedrooms duplex apartments, adapting the
space to the new needs of modern life but keeping the charm of the original
style in its façade.
The
house is situated between five similar row houses from the same period, which
is other reason why the front elevation has only been restored and is further
kept untouched.
To
provide views, the wall of the east façade (rear) on the first 3 levels, were
opened and replaced by sliding windows partitions. In the lower apartment, the
living area, kitchen and living room, were placed in the parlor level in order
to get the best views.
The
living spaces were opened up to the exterior, the unrestricted views, got from
the front to the back of the house.
We
also were very concerned about the environmental issues nowadays. All the
materials are environmental friendly, like the bamboo floors, high efficiency
appliances, double pane windows.