The client wanted to remodel a recently acquired maisonette and convert the existing steep roof space into additional living accommodations, while improving the neglected interiors. The challenge was to devise an original story to inform the interiors, now on three levels, without the possibility of bold architectural interventions to the terrace while concurrently maximising the internal floor area. At a time when it is apparent that some designs place a too stronger emphasis on their short-lived novelty and 'Instagram-ability' to generate likes and followers, Francesco Pierazzi Architects decided to tell a story by taking a different approach and let the existing structure gain a leading role in the design, almost as if - to a degree - the house was designing itself, ignorant of social media pressures. With no scope for a bold architectural gesture, the significance of this approach is directed at empowering the users, rather than the public at large. The design approach adopts a phenomenological strategy - inspired by French philosopher Merleau-Ponty who stressed that the body is the primary site of knowing the world, in opposition to the more traditional approach that states that consciousness is the informant of knowledge - developed to stimulate the bodies of the users when negotiating different spaces, whether ascending or descending, so that everyday movements around the maisonette generate an enhanced choreography that transforms static spaces into a dynamic experience. The reconfiguration of the middle floor aims to reduce circulation space in favour of larger bedrooms and service facilities. While the brick shell of the house is treated as a blank volume, the stairwell, designed as a subordinate space within a primary volume, is lined with birch plywood from ground to roof level. Concurrently, the materials of seamless grey floors and white vertical surfaces are reduced to the minimum to enhance the natural property of the timber in its phenomenological role. In order to create interest within the three floors - despite the overall paired down palette - several contrasting materials have been employed and juxtaposed to create tensions between precious, semi-precious and off the shelf materials. For this purpose grey vinyl tiles contrast with ordinary bricks - white washed - as well as birch plywood panels, cast iron radiators and precious marbles. The existing envelope assumes a pivotal role within the design strategy to become an active informant and the structure takes a leading role in the design, almost as if - to a degree - the house was designing itself. With a strong conceptual approach the space can be handed over to the owner for appropriation, personalisation and empowerment.