01 · Challenge
Medieval beam floor as a limiting factor
The owner of a national listed building on the Brink in Deventer wanted to convert the unused attic space into a full bedroom with bathroom. The building dates from the 15th century and has a rare surviving medieval beam structure that the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) considers exceptionally valuable. The beam structure is exposed and may not be covered, meaning all installations and insulation must be concealed creatively. Furthermore, the building lies within the protected townscape of Deventer city centre.
02 · Our approach
Insulation and installations around the historic beam structure
We made a detailed survey of the medieval beam structure and drew up a renovation strategy in which the beams remain fully visible. Insulation is applied using an inverted roof principle on the exterior, so that nothing is covered on the inside. The pipes for the bathroom are integrated into new partition walls placed alongside the historic building walls. We conducted extensive pre-application consultation with the municipal heritage committee and the RCE to have the design reviewed before submission.
03 · Result
Habitable attic with a spectacular exposed beam structure
The building permit was granted within 13 weeks, including a positive recommendation from the RCE. The attic now has 28 m² of habitable space: a bedroom with the medieval beam structure as a spectacular ceiling and a compact bathroom concealed in a plastered cabinet next to the chimney. The historic beam structure is fully intact and now defines the distinctive character of the space. Both the owner and the heritage committee were satisfied with the end result.