The delicate dance between preserving historical grandeur and embracing contemporary living is a challenge few design studios master with the finesse of Munich-based Holzrausch. Their latest triumph, Penthouse Frankfurt, stands as a testament to this art, transforming a Wilhelminian-era building into a breathtaking modern residence without sacrificing its inherent character.
The Wilhelminian Legacy Meets Modern Vision
Frankfurt’s Wilhelminian architecture is renowned for its distinctive grammar: deep floor plates, generously proportioned rooms, and robust load-bearing masonry. These features, while historically rich, often pose a conundrum for modern interventions. Rather than viewing them as obstacles or a mere backdrop, Holzrausch meticulously wove the existing architectural fabric into the very logic of their design. This approach ensures that the new elements don’t just sit alongside the old, but rather engage in a meaningful dialogue, creating a cohesive and evolving narrative.
A Bold Architectural Statement: The Roof Extension
The project’s most striking and structurally insightful move is the addition of a two-story roof extension. This new volume, perched atop the historic shell, serves a dual purpose: it dramatically expands the living space while also clearly delineating between the original structure and the contemporary intervention. This legible distinction is key to the project’s success, allowing both eras to shine without blending into an ambiguous whole. It’s a bold crown that respects its foundation.
Crafting Interior Harmony: Materials and Flow
Step inside, and a symphony of carefully chosen materials unfolds. Dominating the interior is Kambala, an African hardwood celebrated for its warm amber grain and graceful oxidation over time. This rich material is employed as full-height panelling, creating a continuous spatial membrane that flows seamlessly across rooms, built-ins, and circulation areas. This consistent application provides a unifying warmth and texture throughout the penthouse.
Precision in Every Detail
In the kitchen, the material palette expands with sophisticated precision. Warm-brushed stainless steel offers a sleek, modern edge, beautifully juxtaposed with the organic textures of terrazzo and stained timber. Holzrausch’s unique operational model – functioning as a single-source supplier with designers, construction planners, and craftspeople in constant collaboration – was instrumental in resolving these intricate junctions. This integrated approach ensured that every element, from the grand architectural gestures to the smallest material transition, was considered as part of a coherent whole, resulting in an impeccably finished space.
A Sanctuary for Art
A central requirement for the client was a space capable of showcasing a significant art collection. Holzrausch responded with a design philosophy that prioritizes calm sequencing and non-competing walls. The continuous Kambala shell provides a visual ground that is warm and inviting enough to humanize the expansive spaces, yet subtle enough not to overpower the artworks on display. This delicate balance is often elusive in gallery-adjacent residences, which frequently err towards either sterile neutrality or overwhelming domesticity. Penthouse Frankfurt, however, achieves a rare equilibrium, allowing the art to breathe and command sustained attention within a luxurious, livable environment.
The Penthouse Frankfurt project by Holzrausch is more than just an extension; it’s a masterclass in architectural sensitivity and contemporary luxury, proving that history and modernity can not only coexist but elevate one another.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
Leave a comment