How do you renovate a character house in the old town of Fribourg or Neuchâtel?

The old towns of Fribourg and Neuchâtel are full of historic houses: thick walls, exposed beams, wooden staircases, narrow openings and rooms that interlock. Renovating them means finding the balance between the comfort people expect today and everything that gives the building its character. At RK Interiors, we approach these projects as complete interior architecture assignments, always starting from what is already there.

Start with an on-site diagnosis

Before any drawing, we carry out a survey and analysis on site: measurements, condition of the existing elements, technical and heritage constraints. This diagnosis shows which interior changes are straightforward and which will need approval. With an older building, coordination with the commune and, often, with the heritage services is part of the project. We check this from the concept phase and prepare the file when it is needed.

Modernise without erasing the character

• Keep and enhance original materials when they are in good condition: wood, stone, parquet floors.
• Rethink the layout to bring in more light and better flow, without touching the structure unnecessarily.
• Integrate technical networks (electrical, lighting, plumbing, ventilation) discreetly, together with the engineers.
• Design built-in furniture that follows irregular walls and unusual volumes.

In Granges-Paccot, near Fribourg, we renovated a family house combining architecture and interior design: see the La Croix project. In the canton of Vaud, the village house Porte du Château in Aubonne, a medieval building turned into a refuge, follows the same approach.

Key takeaways

• A precise survey of the existing building is the foundation of any historic house renovation.
• Character buildings often require coordination with the commune and heritage services, to be checked from the concept stage.
• One single point of contact, from first sketch to last finish, makes a delicate project easier to manage.