A cramped attic apartment in Berlin's Mitte district presented quite the challenge: awkwardly angled rooms, limited natural light, and virtually no storage. The owners envisioned a brighter, more open home for two – complete with a dedicated space for an impressive shoe collection and a way to maximize that sloped roofline with an upper level.

Berlin architects Anita Eyrich and Christian Hertweck delivered some remarkably smart solutions. A floor-to-ceiling shoe cabinet anchors the entrance, establishing a welcoming feel from the moment you step inside. Beyond that lies an expansive living and dining area – now flooded with light after removing unnecessary walls. The result is an almost entirely open floor plan, with only the bedroom and bathrooms remaining enclosed. Cooking, dining, and living seamlessly blend into one generous space across the L-shaped layout.

A single architectural statement piece commands the living space – and it does far more than meet the eye. This custom furniture component also houses an integrated staircase to the upper floor. The side walls maximize every inch with storage compartments. An open niche works as both a visual passage and an intimate reading nook. At its base sits a landing that doubles as storage and functions as the first step. But there's more: this furniture piece supports the entire mezzanine floor above.

Above, an open platform emerges – infinitely adaptable as a reading room, workspace, studio, or bedroom. Its warm reddish linoleum flooring creates a striking contrast with the brown staircase and white rooms below. A built-in loft bed nestles into an alcove, offering a cozy sleeping retreat or private sanctuary.

The transformation is complete. Not only does the apartment feel entirely different, it's also gained roughly a third more usable living space.

www.eharchitekten.de

Photography Credits:

Henning Moser
www.henningmoser.de

(Featured in CUBE Berlin 04|22)