Converting old buildings is often a difficult task, especially when it comes to balancing the need for extensive changes with respect for the original form. Architect Miklós Péterffy took on the task of renovating one such house, adopting an approach that focused on preserving the spirit of the original design rather than clinging to the original substance. His work transformed the old, modest house into a modern and functional art déco-inspired villa, while retaining some of its former form.
The house was built in 1936 in the suburb of Cluj, Romania, which today is the central district of the city. Neither the plans nor the name of the designer have survived, but the house is attributed to a master builder, as was common in Romania between the wars. These master builders, working on larger architectural projects, transferred the knowledge they had gained to their more modest developments, built on the outskirts of towns. These houses were often built without planning permission, but were still characterised by elements of the then fashionable modernist style – cubism and art déco. These features were applied in an improvised manner, giving the buildings a peculiar charm.
Although the house also had its charm, its original functionality left much to be desired. The representative façade facing the street was exposed at the expense of the interior layout, which was impractical and poorly lit. As a result of many years of use, additional rooms were also added, further deteriorating the already poor original layout.
The house before and after reconstruction. Photo: Google Maps
Miklós Péterffy decided to make radical changes to improve the functionality of the house. The main idea was to remodel the space in such a way as to preserve the overall shape of the building and its characteristic elements, such as the curved corner. After the modernisation, the ground floor became more open – unnecessary divisions disappeared and all rooms opened up to the garden and the sun. The basement gained new functions, including an independent studio with its own entrance. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living space with access to a terrace that opens up views of the garden.
One of the most significant elements of the new construction was the reconstruction of the roof. It was partially replaced by a second floor, which included terraces with varying degrees of roofing. In this way, the classic modernist dream of a roof garden with a panoramic view of the city was realised. Although Péterffy’s design draws on art déco aesthetics, it is not a pastiche. Rather than mindlessly copying the forms of the past, the architect has used contemporary technologies to develop the aesthetics of the style. Elements characteristic of art déco, such as geometry and profiling, have been enhanced with modern details, giving the design a fresh and original feel. One example is the metal finish of the curved windows, which combines traditional shapes with modern materials.
The result is a space that harmoniously blends history with modernity. The interiors are continuous and the architecture becomes an integral part of everyday life. The materials used, such as exposed concrete, give the interiors a contemporary feel, while at the same time being in keeping with the long tradition of modernist villas. The project also exemplifies a sustainable approach to architecture. Preserving the existing structure of the building, while improving its energy efficiency, is one of the most important aspects of contemporary sustainable architecture. The architect integrated state-of-the-art thermal insulation technologies while keeping the aesthetics of the building in mind.
The renovation of a 1930s house in Cluj shows that even modest structures can inspire the creation of modern, functional spaces that retain the charm of the original. Miklós Péterffy has produced a design that not only refreshes the spirit of modernist art déco, but also responds to the contemporary needs of the users.
Source: e-zeppelin.ro
Name: PJ House
Architect: Miklós Péterffy
Studio: PÉTERFFY DŐRY architects
Year of construction: 2018
Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Photography: Balázs Danyi
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