Rudolfstrasse
Renovation of a Landmark Residential Building
Client: Private
Location: Zurich
Date: 2012-2013
The apartment building at Rudolfstrasse 10 is located in the Seefeld district and forms part of a perimeter block development, typical for the neighborhood. The landmarked building, a four-story construction built in 1893, was designed in the Neo-Baroque style complete with a mansard roof. The original plan typology was characterized by long, narrow spaces, whose depth was exacerbated by enclosed porches on the façade. This arrangement no longer met today’s requirements for room size, access, and natural lighting in living spaces. By merging two of the street-side rooms and by enlarging various wall openings, a new, flowing organization was introduced, bringing a contemporary spacious quality to the historic structure.
The conversion and renovation project created a new 3 ½-room apartment on the 1st floor, a 2 ½-room apartment and a separate studio on the 2nd floor, as well as a 5 ½-room duplex with terrace on the 3rd floor and attic level. In all apartments, the existing kitchen and separate WC were merged to create a new kitchen. The bathrooms have been extended and modernized, with new central plumbing shafts installed throughout. Load-bearing structural elements, in particular the wooden ceiling beams, were reinforced.
Another central task of the renovation was the careful handling of the historical interior features, particularly that of the wainscoting and the plaster ornamentation. The partially damaged ornate ceiling moldings were restored using the traditional techniques of a master plasterer. New accents in the kitchens, bathrooms and entrance halls complement the composition and give the apartments a modern touch. With regard to the surface finishes, only high quality materials were used, corresponding to the upscale character of the property.
Project Partner:
– WaltGalmarini, Zurich
Photos:
© Roger Frei, Zurich