The Colorful Nest.
Year: 2019
Construction Time: 4 months
Total Cost: ~70,000€
Work Completed: Electrical overhaul, removal of old flooring, restoration & partial coloring of wooden floors, new furniture, wallpaper removal, plastering, two completely new bathrooms
Sustainable Materials Used: Second-hand furniture, restored Dielen wooden flooring, sustainable water-based paint, custom-made furniture from sustainable wood
Biggest Challenge: Balancing a sustainable approach while still using some traditional materials due to lack of knowledge at the time
Key Learning: Even within a traditional renovation, sustainable choices like upcycling and local craftsmanship can significantly reduce environmental impact
Project Overview
The Colorful Nest Project
A mix of old and new
Before Happy Pigeons Lab was officially founded, we took on Colorful Nest, a 4-room apartment renovation in Prenzlauer Berg, transforming it into a functional and inviting coliving space. The renovation started with a complete reset—we removed old flooring, stripped outdated wallpaper, and replastered the walls to create a fresh foundation. The historic wooden floors were carefully restored, and where damage was too severe, we painted the planks with sustainable water-based colors instead of replacing them. A major highlight of the project was integrating second-hand furniture, sourced from flea markets and vintage stores, giving the space character while reducing waste. To ensure durability and a natural aesthetic, we collaborated with a local carpenter to design the beds, wardrobes, kitchen, and dining table using sustainably sourced wood. The two bathrooms were completely redesigned, blending modern comfort with practical and timeless materials. While we still worked with traditional elements like plaster and tiles, this project unconciously became an early experiment in sustainable renovation, teaching us how small, conscious choices can have an impact.
