Interviews / 6/5/2024

The sloping wall in the lounge: a real challenge

The art of designing an apartment with a sloping wall: a unique challenge and solution

Interviewee

Simone Königshausen

Designer and owner of Simone Königshausen design studio.

Designing a flat with a sloping wall in the living room involved several challenges. The solution was to build a stair-like structure against the sloping wall, which would serve multiple purposes such as storage, seating and kitchen. The choice of ULTRATOP LOFT cementitious systems for the staircase surfaces ensured durability and perfect integration with the rest of the living room.

What were the main challenges when designing the interior of an apartment in such an iconic building?

The apartment posed a unique challenge with its sloping wall in the lounge, which ultimately also drew me, being an interior designer, to choose this apartment. Utilizing the additional square footage effectively for both storage and a dynamic living area proved to be a significant challenge. To address this, I opted to construct a stair-like structure against the sloping wall, which serves as storage, seating, a kitchen - and together with the sloping window - a focal point in the lounge.

What are the criteria behind the choice of ULTRATOP LOFT systems of cementitious pastes for the stair surfaces?

My aim was for the stairs to seamlessly integrate them into the architecture, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Opting for a light color was essential to maximize natural light within the apartment, which is why I chose to match it with the walls. Additionally, I wanted it to harmonize effortlessly with the wood flooring in the rest of the lounge. The multifunctional use of the staircase meant it had to be made with a strong material. ULTRATOP LOFT, renowned for its resistance, easy maintenance, concrete-like appearance and availability in light color options, proved to be the perfect material to meet these design objectives.

The Sluishuis complex was designed by Barcode Architects and Bjarke Ingels Group and completed in 2022. It stands out for its irregular volumes and the continuous dialogue between the natural landscape and the work of mankind.

Why was the same product used for the walls in the bathroom, too?

The decision was driven by the desire to maintain consistency and a unified aesthetic throughout the space. By extending the use of the product from the stair surfaces to the walls in the bathroom, we were able to create a seamless and cohesive design language, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the interior. Additionally, the product's qualities, such as its strength, easy maintenance, and suitability for light color options, made it an ideal choice for both functional and aesthetic purposes within the bathroom.