With a delicate balance of materiality, intricate detailing, and thoughtful spatial planning, Arch Nouveau by Studio Kaaki exemplifies a harmonious renovation that respects the building's origins while introducing modern functionality. Set in a 1980s terrace house, the project highlights its architectural features—vaulted ceilings and sweeping curves—through strategic material and lighting choices.
Kristian Kaufmehl, co-founder of Studio Kaaki, explains: “Our goal was to elevate the existing building with small, thoughtful changes, creating stronger connections between spaces and the garden. The calm palette of natural materials introduces warmth and personality, while bespoke joinery complements the home’s geometries.”
The renovation retained the home’s layout but maximized efficiency through clever joinery, minimizing structural changes and reducing construction costs while achieving a contemporary, functional aesthetic. At the heart of the redesign is a sophisticated layering of warm timber, sculptural joinery, and a delicate palette that brings calm to the interiors.
The kitchen, central to the ground floor, balances high functionality with soft finishes, while rich materials like velvet, brass, and stone add an inviting sense of luxury. Sculptural lighting by The Visuals enhances both the aesthetics and functionality, and the restored staircase highlights the original curves.
Playful moments, such as detailed joinery in the children’s bedrooms, echo the house’s geometry and provide personalization opportunities. Skylights flood previously dark spaces with natural light, drastically improving their feel. The powder room, featuring rich terrazzo and deep green hues, creates a joyful, unexpected moment.
Arch Nouveau seamlessly blends public and private spaces, with a natural flow enhanced by bifolding doors that connect the living areas to the garden designed by Even Spaces. Clever uses of fluted glass offer privacy while maintaining a refined aesthetic, and new additions like the light-filled butler's pantry and laundry further elevate the functionality.
Externally, the façade has been modernized while preserving its charm, blending bold and neutral tones to bridge the past and present.
The Arch Nouveau project is a testament to Studio Kaaki’s ability to craft timeless spaces that feel cohesive, warm, and deeply personal. Every detail is thoughtfully executed, resulting in a home that serves as a retreat for a young family in a dense urban setting.
