Urselmann Interior's Circular Düsseldorf Home Uses Stepped Timber Platforms and Reversible Dry Joinery

A 1939 apartment in Düsseldorf has been transformed into a model of circular design by Urselmann Interior. The renovation employs reversible dry joinery, meaning no permanent adhesives or wet trades were used, allowing materials to be easily disassembled and reused. Nine manufacturer take-back agreements ensure that products can be returned to their makers at end of life, closing the loop on waste. Stepped timber platforms create flexible, multi-tiered living spaces that adapt to changing needs, while operable textiles provide privacy and light control without fixed partitions. This approach extends the building's life and reduces embodied carbon, aligning with EU circular economy goals. It shows how heritage buildings can be updated sustainably without demolition, preserving cultural value while meeting modern comfort standards. The project sets a benchmark for reversible interiors in existing housing stock, proving that circularity can be both functional and aesthetically rich. As cities push for net-zero retrofits, such dry-construction methods may become the new standard for urban living.