Freelance Renovation Project, 2022
The 1933 apartment in Rotterdam underwent a careful renovation led by Bahareh. The process began with a general proposal to identify which changes were feasible. The design envisioned opening the wall between the dining room and kitchen to create a stronger connection within the apartment. Since this wall was a primary structural element, modifying it required calculations by a structural engineer. This involved reviewing the original building drawings, submitting new proposals, and clearly defining the design intent. At the same time, Bahareh prepared drawings to guide the kitchen manufacturer in developing the new layout.
Adjustments were also made to the floor plan for the bathroom and toilet. Adding a second-floor toilet and repositioning key elements required careful supervision and precise documentation to ensure smooth execution.
Once the design decisions were finalized, construction proceeded under Bahareh’s supervision. She visited the site almost daily and maintained close communication with the team. Working in an older building meant encountering unexpected challenges. For example, the bathroom walls were slightly tilted due to the building’s age, complicating tile alignment. By establishing a profile and starting the first row from the middle of the wall, the team was able to resolve the issue. Another challenge involved relocating pipes; removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen allowed them to reroute piping through the floor efficiently.
The renovation balanced respect for the building’s original structure with practical solutions, resulting in a functional and cohesive interior.
.