House B
You find the new home of a family with two kids in the 2nd backyard of a small industrial estate from around 1860. Sustainability in mind, the separation into two apartments was already implemented to comply with future needs including all necessary fire regulations and rescue aspects. Nevertheless these measurements shouldn´t impair the quality of the current use as one big family home. The narrowness of the yard and the reduced illumination over one façade, as well as the single access over the stairwell additionally blocking a quarter of the floors, so far the levels were commercially used as a loft space. Windows in the gable walls couldn´t be realized, therefore other ways had to be found to illuminate each living room and corridor as well as to improve the internal accessibility. The building was cored over a height of 8m, whilst keeping the facade unchanged as requested by the authority. A new ceiling was put in and a free spanning steel structure forms the new roof with integrated roof terrace. Via two internal stairs workspaces are avoided and a patio provides light for the 2nd and 3rd floor. A flush roof light in the patio directs the light into the corridor of the 2nd floor, enhanced by diffuse light over the well hole. With the courtyard terrace as well as the patio and roof terrace, both apartments would possess attractive, private outdoor spaces.