Project story
Apartment Renovation
The Client contacted us in Fall 2022 when finalizing her purchase of an Alt-Bau flat in Friedrichschain. The flat had a lot of charm but struggled with a long impractical and dark hallway, a kitchen located in the very isolated rear of the apartment, and a dated bathroom. The Client wanted to prioritize bringing the kitchen to the middle of the apartment to make a space to connect with her friends and family. She wanted the bathroom to be turned into a mini spa at home, having a light & modern feel, while being very open. Finally, she wanted to bring light into a rather dark hallway by opening the space.
After going through a number of concepts we decided with The Client to move the kitchen to the middle of the apartment making it the center of life at home. By opening up the wall and installing beam while consulting with a static engineer, we were able to open the kitchen up to the front of the apartment letting daylight through the entire front half of the apartment. Rather than 2 distinct rooms, this because a large functional space which could now be used in a variety of ways.
In the bathroom, we worked through a number of design iterations with The Client to make sure that we got the layout just right. We decided for a Japanese shower concept, combining both a tub and shower area. A large side-by-side vanity was chose with a single bowl sink to provide space, but also to keep it cozy while using the sink at the same time. All the vanity storage was kept in the drawers underneath, while the mirrors were kept simple, and minimalist to tie into the look and feel of the bathroom. The combination of cool neutral colors was paired with a warm vanity cabinet to tie into the wooden themes present in the original and classic Berliner ‘diele’ floor.
The previous kitchen location was turned into an office. While we installed new floors, we chose a rustic long board floor with lots of knots and movements to tie into the existing historical maple flooring in the rest of the apartment.
The apartment was fully rewired electrically, all of the walls were replastered and painted, and after the kitchen was installed it brought the entire apartment together.
By changing the layout of the flat, relocating electrical and plumbing, and understanding how The Client wanted to use the apartment we changed the flat’s entire look and fee. With beautiful high ceilings that you only see in Alt-Bau flats, combined with original and newly restored crown moldings, and the changes in layout the results of the renovation are tremendous.
It was a pleasure working for you and thank you for putting your trust in HappyBart.