Rissen, with its Wittenberg beach, forests, moorlands, and nature reserves, is a cherished destination for weekend escapes. The distinctive country-house character typical of Elbe's suburbs is equally evident here—many of its villas enjoy protected heritage status. To this day, the landscape is defined by detached homes set amid generous gardens. For interior architect Lisa Fardi, discovering an almost century-old house in this idyllic setting—and then lovingly restoring, reimagining, and outfitting it for her own family, complete with dog and cat—was nothing short of a dream realized.

Built in 1928, this distinctive residence—with its white-painted clinker brick façade, hipped roof, and inset flat-roofed dormers—underwent comprehensive energy-efficient renovation and structural transformation. The overarching vision: reclaim its historical soul. Every period detail was thoughtfully restored using contemporary methods: the original window proportions with their profiled sills, muntins and panels; timber shutters; undulating roof tiles; and wooden panel doors. The floor plan was reimagined to reflect the family's lifestyle and aspirations. Beyond creating a dedicated workspace on the ground floor, the basement gained a second bathroom and creative studio. Yet the true focus centered on visual connection: sightlines from every room toward the landscape, and fluid transitions from living and dining spaces into the garden—a carefully composed tapestry of native perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering bulbs, all chosen for their naturalistic beauty and minimal maintenance demands. Hand-troweled lime plaster and soft off-white finishes capture and diffuse daylight, amplifying the brightness throughout the home. This interplay between restored period character and contemporary comfort creates an experience of timeless sophistication. Lisa Fardi has woven together the refined aesthetics of Japanese and Scandinavian design—marked by clean geometry, minimalist restraint, and honest natural materials—into a cohesive whole. Custom cabinetry designed by the architect pairs seamlessly with curated furnishings, lighting, bathroom fixtures, and objects by respected designers. The result is a home defined by exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful spatial composition, balance, and quiet grace.

www.lisafardi.de

Photos:
smartlight-photo
www.smartlight-photo.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|25)