In the realm of architectural challenges, transforming a space with a dark past into a haven of domestic bliss is a task that requires both ingenuity and sensitivity. This was precisely the mission entrusted to ATOMAA when tasked with redesigning an apartment for a physicist client. The goal was not merely to renovate but to rewrite the narrative of the space, breathing new life into its confines.
Design Vision
The client’s requirements were multifaceted, ranging from practical necessities to personal preferences. ATOMAA was tasked with crafting a space that seamlessly integrated these diverse needs. The design called for a real kitchen devoid of compromises, a conversational area with a hearth, a tranquil reading room, a study adorned with a world map, a cozy alcove with a private bathroom, accommodations for children including a bunk bed with an attached bathroom, and even indulgent amenities like a two-seat Jacuzzi and a Japanese-inspired genkan for the ritual of shoe removal.
Preserving History
Central to the project was the challenge of reconciling the apartment’s troubled past with its promising future. ATOMAA approached this task with utmost care, aiming to erase the shadows of the past while preserving the physical history expressed in the apartment’s character and materiality. The cement floor tiles and the chestnut herringbone parquet flooring, laden with historic and aesthetic significance, were meticulously restored to their former glory, serving as poignant reminders of the apartment’s journey through time.
Warmth and Transition
Warmth permeates the apartment through the use of warm laminated birch plywood for both free-standing and built-in furniture elements. A recurring theme of level changes defines the spatial experience, guiding inhabitants through a journey of transition from darkness to light. From the inviting genkan at the entrance to the elevated bathroom and the cozy sleeping nook, these level changes not only enhance spatial dynamics but symbolize the ongoing transformation of the space.
Conclusion
In the hands of ATOMAA, the House for a Physicist transcends its troubled past to emerge as a beacon of rejuvenation and renewal. Through a careful balance of preservation and innovation, the apartment is imbued with a sense of harmony, offering its inhabitants a sanctuary where the echoes of the past coexist with the promise of a brighter future.
