Harmonious Composition
A single-family home with clean lines and cohesive design in the garden city of Frohnau
The owners realized their vision in Frohnau: a home tailored to their lifestyle that anticipates their needs throughout every stage of life. Spanning two stories with roughly 270 m² of usable space, the residence sits on a generous 1,300 m² plot. Architect Nikola Deindl-Kuckertz of PST designed far more than just the house—she orchestrated a complete vision that encompasses the garden and all outdoor spaces, resulting in a remarkably coherent whole.
The cubic form derives its character from the interplay of rendered and brick-clad facades, which wrap expressively around the building. The distinctive format of the clinker bricks—5 x 50 centimetres—and their textured warmth create striking contrast with the sharp-edged, finely rendered surfaces. Expansive window bands punctuate the upper storey, with openings that echo the ground-floor windows, establishing visual continuity. The garden side reveals a two-storey post-and-beam structure that bathes the dining area in a distinctive character. Towards the street, living and sleeping areas are illuminated by large-format motorized sliding glass doors. Every threshold has been eliminated—all entries and exits flow seamlessly at floor level. The entrance itself announces itself through understated elegance. The entry hall is anchored by a six-metre exposed concrete wall, washed with daylight from above and subtly accent-lit by evening spotlights. This concrete wall serves as the spatial anchor from which interior rooms flow organically. On the ground floor, it culminates in a concrete bookcase that also defines the boundary between kitchen and living spaces. The folded staircase—clad entirely in glass with only a slender metal rail—demonstrates masterful execution. At the heart of the living realm, a fireplace creates an easy transition between dining and living zones, which open generously toward the terrace. An overhanging balcony provides shade without columns, while a built-in brick bench creates an intimate retreat. The seamless grey biopolymer floor throughout the ground floor reinforces this sense of spatial flow. Upstairs, sliding doors serve as the primary spatial dividers, with the bathroom remaining openly accessible from the bedroom. The reading gallery stands as a particularly cherished spot, offering views of all the interior's defining features. From the garden seating area—composed in the spirit of an English landscape garden—the owners watch their illuminated home glow in the final warmth of evening light.
Photography Credits:
Norajr Stepanjan
Stefan Josef Müller
Franco Günther
(Featured in CUBE Berlin 01|24)
