Ever dreamed of spending a night in a museum? In Berlin's Britzer Hufeisensiedlung, designed by Bruno Taut, that dream can become reality. Katrin Escher and her husband Ben Buschfeld took on the mission of acquiring one of these historic homes and meticulously restoring it to its original condition. The project is now complete, and "Tautes Heim" is available as a holiday rental for up to four guests. This house is one of 679 properties in the estate, built by Taut between 1925 and 1930 around a distinctive horseshoe-shaped row.

The Hufeisensiedlung remains one of Berlin's most coveted neighbourhoods, and in 2008 the entire complex earned UNESCO World Heritage status as a masterpiece of Berlin Modernism. The homes are celebrated above all for their striking colour palettes—a defining signature of Taut's work. The owners painstakingly researched every hue and restored the house to its original chromatic scheme, breathing life back into spaces painted in bold blues, deep reds, muted greens, and various greys, whites, and yellows. The home also features a garden and terrace, combining a functional floor plan with historical authenticity—modern amenities are woven in with restraint. The entire 65 m² structure is outfitted with period-appropriate furnishings, from an original 1920s kitchen to a verdant salon and two bedrooms in contrasting blues and yellows. Across its narrow 5 m width and compact footprint, this unforgettable space opens onto a generous 200 m² garden complete with terrace and fruit trees. The guest book brims with heartfelt praise. Most poignant is one Britzer woman's entry—a lifelong resident who returned after 65 years to rediscover her childhood home. She found herself transported back through time, overwhelmed with joy.

The surrounding neighbourhood strikes a balance between intimate terraced homes with private gardens and larger residential blocks. The entire complex exudes village charm while remaining steps away from urban Berlin. U-Bahn line 7 connects you directly to the neighbourhood, offering effortless access to explore the city. Or simply wander on foot to neighbouring Britz Palace, its expansive park, and historic estate—all brimming with restaurants and live performances.

www.tautes-heim.de

Photography Credits:

Ben Buschfeld

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|22)