Luminous and inviting – genuinely comfortable. And fitting the name perfectly: "Bird in the Tree". This newly reimagined penthouse in Munich, designed for an American national soccer player and his wife, explains itself immediately. "It captures the essence of a cosy nest nestled in a treetop," says Anthea Herrle, the lead interior architect from Munich-based Brücknerinnen Interior Architects. And it's true: stepping into the sun-filled spaces, with their expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and light wood frames, you're instantly transported to a place of freedom and ease.

Light wooden floors and a soft, neutral palette welcome residents with a sense of arrival and belonging. From within this "nest," inhabitants enjoy serene views of the world beyond. The apartment offers generous amenities: a spacious foyer, a walk-in wardrobe, and an open-concept kitchen with dining area designed to host gatherings. More than just a centerpiece, this is the home's social heart. The bulthaup kitchen surface in "aluminium sand beige" shifts like a chameleon depending on the light – summery green in afternoon sun, silvery when evening falls. Every piece was planned precisely during the shell phase and meticulously coordinated with other trades. Sustainable materials, including sheep's wool insulation throughout the ceiling, foster a healthy living environment. Lighting, media systems, and technical infrastructure integrate seamlessly into wall surfaces, creating a clean, composed aesthetic alongside full-height shelving. "Our practice prioritizes humanity, agility, and sustainability – we craft spaces that unite interior and exterior through thoughtful construction, aesthetics, function, and poetry," the architect explains. "Here, we've achieved that with a fireplace wall in Shou Sugi Ban wood and wall panels in solid timber, echoing the flooring." Tactile fabrics – a generous seating area in the living room, and dining bench and chairs in deep grey – complete the narrative, punctuated by delightful accents: jungle-patterned green wallpaper behind a mustard sofa in the study, and a blooming floral wall in the guest bathroom. The minimalist master bath commands attention through clean geometry and a refined palette of black, charcoal, and white.

www.bruecknerinnen.com

Photography Credits:

Christian Geisselmann
www.christiangeisselmann.com

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|23)