A Woodland Retreat
Transforming a barn into a contemporary sanctuary
Once a simple barn, today it stands as a refined cottage: tranquil, secluded, and deeply rooted in rural character. These qualities converge in a weekend and holiday retreat tucked away in the Brandenburg Forest, where roads give way to woodland and silence – save for nature's own voice. A space that once sheltered farm tools and hay now enters a new chapter. The Berlin-based architecture and design studio Carlo Berlin orchestrated this transformation, crafting a sophisticated sanctuary now known as the "Berlin Cottage."
The renovation stripped the barn down to its structural bones—exposing the timber framework—while introducing a second level that claims two-thirds of the footprint, serving as sleeping quarters and private refuge. Founder Charlotte Wiessner brought building biologist and physicist Elke Wulf into the project, whose expertise proved instrumental in not merely preserving the barn's traditional character and connection to nature, but amplifying it. Working collaboratively, the team developed a holistic approach to indoor climate control using exclusively natural materials: wood, stone, and clay. Interior walls feature clay plaster backed by insulation, creating a breathable, sustainable atmosphere. Combined with the weathered patina and grain of the original beams, the result is authentically lived-in comfort. For new wooden elements—stairs, furnishings—the team selected "seawashed" timber, ocean-bleached pieces that visually echo the existing structure while bringing their own subtle character.
The colour palette draws inspiration directly from nature's soft, muted spectrum. Even the hand-blown lights—in warm browns and golds—echo this natural vocabulary. Floor-to-ceiling glazing in steel frames wraps the length of both long sides, while ribbon windows and skylights flood the upper level with daylight. The generous ground floor unfolds as an open-plan living space, anchored by structural wooden beams that define distinct zones: kitchenette, dining, and generous living areas for relaxation. The result: a sanctuary designed for genuine well-being.
Photography:
Daniel Schäfer
www.danielschaeferphoto.com
(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|25)
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