19th Century Building Renovation in Strasbourg: A Modern Family Home by Nara Architects

Revitalizing Heritage with Modern Comforts

In the heart of Strasbourg, Nara Architects has meticulously transformed a late 19th-century Neustadt building into a 380 m² modern family home. This renovation celebrates the historical charm of the building while introducing sustainable materials, improved functionality, and contemporary aesthetics.

Preserving History: Restoring the Neustadt Facade

Facade Restoration

The street-facing facade, featuring Vosges sandstone and brickwork, has been cleaned and restored to its original appearance, preserving its historical integrity. This attention to detail highlights the architects' commitment to honoring the building's heritage.

Thermal Renovation

To enhance energy efficiency, the internal walls of the brick facades were renovated using hemp concrete spray. This eco-friendly approach maintains the thermal inertia of the original structure while providing modern insulation.

Redesigning the Interior: A Balance of Old and New

Respecting Original Features

The interior preserves the building’s historical elements, including:

• High ceilings with intricate moldings and plasterwork.
• Oak parquet flooring.
• Restored period frescoes.

These features celebrate the craftsmanship of the late 19th century while complementing modern design choices.

Reimagined Layout

The new interior design creates a seamless flow from the street to the garden. Each level has been reorganized to maximize functionality, providing spacious, open-plan living areas.

Innovative Modern Touches

Green Concrete Terraces

At the rear, outdated balconies were replaced with green concrete terraces tailored for each floor. These terraces overlook the garden, blending functionality with an eco-conscious design.

Light and Connectivity

The top floor features newly created light wells that flood circulation and wet areas with natural light. The existing staircase, enhanced with a glass roof and a full-height balustrade, allows sunlight to permeate the building’s core.

Creative Transitions

A standout feature is the pink felt-clad wall on the second floor, which provides a soft, tactile transition between living spaces, demonstrating a perfect blend of form and function.

Sustainability and Elegance Combined

Hemp Concrete for Thermal Efficiency

The use of hemp concrete exemplifies the project's dedication to sustainability, ensuring the historical building meets modern energy standards without compromising its character.

Eco-friendly Materials

From green concrete terraces to natural light integration, the design incorporates materials and techniques that reduce environmental impact while enhancing the home's livability.

A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present

Nara Architects’ renovation of the Neustadt building in Strasbourg exemplifies how heritage and sustainability can coexist. By preserving historical elements and integrating modern design innovations, this family home offers a blueprint for 19th-century building renovations.

All photographs are work of Simone Bossi