Nestled in Nidau, Switzerland, a renovated apartment by BEEF ARCHITEKTI offers a compelling example of how to reimagine spatial flow within the confines of a traditional 1960s layout. By introducing clever carpentry elements and a considered material palette, the design team has created a fresh and interconnected living space that feels both modern and warm.
The original floor plan, with its strictly divided rooms, presented a challenge. BEEF ARCHITEKTI responded by organizing the apartment into three distinct zones, connected by two key custom-made interventions. These interventions not only unify the space visually but also enhance its functionality and create a sense of airy openness.
The first of these interventions is a striking O-shaped cut-out in the wall separating the entry hall and the living area. This simple yet effective gesture dramatically expands the hallway, creating a visual bridge between the two spaces. More than just an opening, this feature cleverly integrates with the entryway furniture and even extends to form part of the dining table, maximizing its utility.
The second key element is a portal connecting the living zone to the bedroom area. This portal features an unconventional design choice: a sink placed outside the bathroom. This unexpected element adds a unique and distinctive touch, blurring the traditional boundaries between spaces and promoting a more open flow.
These two openings create a continuous visual connection throughout the apartment, linking the entry hall, living room, kitchen, and bedroom area. This clever layout enhances the sense of airiness and openness, allowing light to penetrate deep into the interior. Generous glass surfaces and large format windows in the kitchen and living room further amplify this effect, seamlessly connecting the living area to a terrace overlooking the canal.
The kitchen takes center stage as the heart of the home, designed to be a hub for social interaction and practical living. A central kitchen island serves as both a work surface and a natural gathering point. To maintain a clean and minimalist aesthetic, BEEF ARCHITEKTI incorporated an integrated “black kitchen”—a hidden space designed to conceal everyday household clutter without compromising the overall design.
The material palette plays a crucial role in creating the apartment’s warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural wood and soft neutral tones form the base, complemented by accents of timeless vintage pink and pastel green. Clean lines and warm tones promote a cozy yet modern living environment. Subtle yet impactful details, such as X-shaped handles and two horizontal lines of contrasting paint in different rooms, create visual continuity throughout the apartment, tying the design together.
BEEF ARCHITEKTI’s renovation of the Nidau Apartment demonstrates the transformative power of thoughtful design. By strategically introducing custom carpentry elements and carefully considering the interplay of light and materials, they have successfully redefined spatial flow within a traditional layout, creating a modern and inviting home that prioritizes both connection and comfort.