Schoolhouse Loft — Open-Plan Living for a European Home
Overview
A former school building becomes a calm, contemporary loft: an open-plan kitchen–dining–living space anchored by forest-green cabinetry, a Calacatta-look waterfall island and warm oak herringbone under cosy electric under-floor heating. Double-height steel-framed windows and original brickwork set the architectural tone; our palette and proportions keep the character while elevating everyday comfort.
The Brief
Our homeowners wanted a true open-plan heart of the home without losing the building’s heritage feel. Key asks: better flow for cooking/entertaining, more daylight, durable finishes, and a bathroom with boutique calm and practical storage. They selected our Premium Makeover package for the open-plan area and the bathroom, plus our Basic Makeover package for the mezzanine bedroom and office.
Our approach
We began with a designer site visit and measured survey, then developed multiple layout options. The winning plan removes the dividing pony wall and runs a 7-metre kitchen along the brick elevation; the island is pulled into the room to connect cooking, dining and lounging. Services are tucked into discreet bulkheads; window frames are refinished in deep black to sharpen the industrial lines.On the entrance level, a reconfigured bathroom sits just before the kitchen—easy to access yet neatly out of sight. Large-format, taupe Mandarin Stone porcelain wraps floor and walls, brushed-brass fittings add warmth, and a halo-lit mirror lifts the space. We initially sketched a floating basin, but a detailed storage audit led to a built-in vanity: same light, linear look—far more usable space.Throughout, we specified EU-available materials and fixtures and coordinated procurement, shipping and installation with our trusted European partners—so this level of finish is repeatable whether you’re in Germany, the Netherlands or elsewhere on the continent.
Outcome
What began as a compartmentalised duplex now reads as one cohesive volume: brighter, more sociable, and easier to live with day-to-day. The heritage shell remains the star; the new layout, tones and textures simply help it perform. It’s a template we apply across Europe—respecting local architecture while delivering modern comfort, efficient storage and a clean, timeless aesthetic.
Services used:
Premium Make-Over (Open-Plan + Bathroom) · Basic Make-Over (Bedroom + Office)Thinking about a similar update in Germany or elsewhere in Europe? We can specify locally, ship smartly and coordinate trusted trades to deliver the same result where you are.
The Old School Loft by Studio Akiva is a refined interpretation of industrial living, where heritage architecture is carefully balanced with contemporary detailing. Set within a former schoolhouse, the project embraces the building’s original character—celebrating volume, structure, and raw materiality—while introducing a more polished, liveable aesthetic.
At its core, the design is defined by a restrained yet confident material palette. Warm oak flooring laid in a herringbone pattern softens the industrial shell, while dark metal accents and Crittall-style glazing reinforce the architectural framework. This interplay between warmth and structure creates a space that feels both grounded and elevated.
The kitchen and living areas are treated as a cohesive, open-plan environment, where clean-lined cabinetry—often in deeper, muted tones—sits effortlessly against textured backdrops. Subtle luxury is introduced through details such as stone worktops, integrated lighting, and refined metal finishes, allowing the space to feel considered without becoming overly decorative.
Lighting plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere, with concealed LED strips and layered illumination adding depth and softness to the otherwise robust interior. Functional zones are clearly defined, yet visually connected, reinforcing a sense of flow throughout the loft.
Ultimately, the project captures a modern industrial lifestyle—one that respects the building’s past while adapting it for contemporary living. It is a space that feels architectural yet comfortable, minimal yet rich in detail, demonstrating Studio Akiva’s ability to balance character with clarity in urban residential design.