Reinventing a Historic House
in Old Town, Lunenburg
Last Call before Demolition
When Lab Atelier bought this unique house in Lunenburg, the company took possession of an abandoned property. The town officials had condemned the dwelling for safety reasons. The owner of the adjacent building had severed its shared water and sewage access, its roof was leaking, and the list of issues went on and on.
Seamlessly Linking Spaces and Openings
We restored the exterior traditionally, aligning ourselves with the preservation rules. The interior reconstruction and redesign was a different affair, a challenge which much more freedom. Foremost, how to occupy a three-storey house as a unique dwelling? Each level measures 20 by 30 foot (6 by 9 metres) two of them stack over the ground floor.
My interior concept began with a hierarchy of spaces and functions, ensuring that as we progress, the rooms become increasingly private. The idea really took off the ground when I realized I did not have to pile the staircases one above the other.
For the layout, I removed traffic flow throughout the rooms. This way, I created spaces within an open concept. The circulation follows an open block alongside the rooms. The stairs and most utilities are part of this volume. Multiple built-in add depth and usefulness to the walls, concealing mechanic and structural necessities.
Revitalizing the Urban Experience
As Lab Atelier's meticulous renovation breathed life back into this historic house, it transformed not only the building itself, but also its place within Lunenburg's rich tapestry. The preservation challenges and architectural decisions we navigated have etched a new chapter into the story of this house, reinvigorating it as a single family residence while paying homage to its commercial heritage.
This journey reminds us that the past can be seamlessly woven into the present, creating a unique urban experience where history and modern living converge. Lab Atelier's reinvention of this derelict building stands as a testament to the power of architectural vision, preservation, and adaptation, offering both its inhabitants and the town of Lunenburg a vibrant and harmonious future.
