Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany
Berlin Pied-à-terre
In our ever-changing world of connectivity, where living and working has become remotely operated. the need for just another small place in the city was born. This micro apartment holds all the conveniences of home - away from home. Transforming this one-room 40 m² apartment in the heart of Friedrichshain Boxhagener Kiez was a labor of detailed utilization of space.
The client wanted a place in the heart of a trendy Berlin neighborhood, where he could both work and entertain, while saving on the need to visit hotels during his business travels to the city.
While his life and main home where primarily in San Fransisco, he appreciated the ingenuity and creativity of utilizing small spaces as commonly found and done back home. This inspired us to use each and every nook and cranny we could think of to accommodate all the conveniences of modern life.
Purchased more than 10 years ago, the client knew this little Berlin gem would serve him both during his business days as well as act as an investment for his retirement. As such, a huge emphasis was placed on redoing the complete space from scratch, working with durable materials and energy-efficient solutions.
The original space was in an extremely derelict state, as it had not been touched since the Berlin wall came down. This condition was both the opportunity and challenge we were faced with. So the dilemma of what would be the best strategy for the long run investment of our client was part of our design, material and level of finish research.
Our main job as architects is to evaluate and strategize the best course of action going forward both in design ethos and durability of outcome for our clients. As every old structure (more commonly found in Berlin) holds an element of unforeseeable circumstances – we can never know what would be found behind an old wall and / or a crumbling floorboard – it is our job to slowly guide our clients both financially and in the design outcome that would meet their budget requirements.
It was only after demolition was complete and the space stripped to its original structure and exposed bricks, that we found out that not only the interior solutions had to be revised but that multiple failing structural and electro mechanical systems had to be replaced and rebuilt immediately.
From new beams, water pipes, gas and electrical systems and main central heating, this remodel was not only a journey of creativity and design, but also of the bureaucratic processes commonly known for its lengthy duration in Germany.
The result is a stunning boutique outcome, unique in its materiality, usage of space and convenience of a home, far away from home.
Title: Berlin Pied-à-terre
Client: Friedmann Fam
Building area: 40 m2
Status : complete Lp1- Lp9 2019 /20
Location: Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany
Team: Anastasiia Lytvyniuk
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