The team began by stripping away layers of past renovations to uncover the original beams, tiles, and floors hidden beneath decades of patchwork repairs. Previously concealed by crude plastic panels, the roof’s original wooden beams became integral to the design. Rather than painting or altering them, the designers left the wood bare, allowing it to breathe and retain its natural matte finish. This decision not only honoured the building’s history but also added textural depth to the minimalist interior. Given the instability of the walls, the choice was made to run all new electrical and plumbing lines externally, using exposed metal pipes, an approach that served to preserve the structure’s integrity while adding an industrial edge to the design.

A key goal of the renovation was to introduce more natural light into the space, which had previously felt dark and enclosed. To achieve this, the rear of the house was opened up with full-height glass doors and windows, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the courtyard. Additionally, removing part of the first-floor slab allowed light from upstairs windows to brighten the ground floor, further brightening the once gloomy interior. In contrast, the house’s main façade along the waterway remained largely untouched, as strict conservation regulations limited changes. Notwithstanding, subtle modifications were made, such as replacing a discordant yellow door with an old wooden one, ensuring the building fit harmoniously into its surroundings.

Reconfiguring the interior layout was crucial to making the most of the compact house. One major obstacle was the original staircase, which restricted the height of the bathroom door forcing anyone entering to stoop. The designers relocated the staircase to a more functional position near the newly installed glass façade, replacing its rotting bottom section with a console and an IKEA stepped stool.

While much of the design adheres to a minimal, pared-down aesthetic, Atelier 6c injected a sense of playfulness through vibrant design accents. Sky-blue painted steel beams added for structural support also brought with them a lively pop of colour. These beams, along with turquoise touches on the kitchen counter, floor tiles, and window frames, create a dynamic contrast to the otherwise ascetic interior while softening the raw materials and exposed systems that dominate the design.

Overall, the project is a masterclass in balancing preservation with modern functionality, standing as a testament to Atelier 6c’s ability to thoughtfully adapt historic architecture for contemporary living.