Renovation of a historic single-family house
A musician approached us with the vision of renovating her historic property in Esch-sur-Sûre, Luxembourg, to better suit the needs of her growing family. The house, spanning three floors and covering approximately 300 sqm, is a notable example of local architectural heritage, featuring original stone bearing walls and other significant historical elements that must be carefully preserved throughout the renovation process.
Given its classification as a historic building, the renovation is subject to a range of stringent communal and state-level regulations in Luxembourg. These regulations impose specific requirements on the preservation of key architectural elements, including windows, doors, structural components, and the overall geometry and roof shape of the building. The intent is to maintain the property’s historical integrity while ensuring that any changes are sympathetic to its original form. These restrictions, while binding, also provide an exciting opportunity for thoughtful, creative design solutions that integrate contemporary living with the historical fabric of the building.
For the interior, we collaborated closely with the client to reimagine the spatial configuration. The goal was to introduce an additional bedroom and to partition part of the home to accommodate a separate rental unit, complete with its own entrance. This strategy allows for the building to evolve functionally while respecting its architectural legacy.
On the exterior, we sought to enhance the connection between the house and its surroundings, particularly the backyard. Our design intervention focuses on improving accessibility to this outdoor space, introducing a small garden, a BBQ area, and an exterior lounge. This creates an inviting space for relaxation and family gatherings while preserving the integrity of the property’s historical context.
In line with Luxembourg’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage, the government offers subsidies for the renovation of historic buildings. We assist our clients in navigating the application process for these subsidies, ensuring that they can take full advantage of available financial incentives to support the preservation and restoration of their historic properties.
Throughout the project, we have maintained a careful balance between preservation and innovation, ensuring that the house remains true to its architectural roots while meeting the contemporary needs of the owner. This approach allows us to deliver a space that is not only functional and comfortable but also an authentic reflection of Luxembourg’s architectural heritage.