Black and Beautiful
Escape to the Coast: Minimalist Living on the North Sea
Built in 1960 and expanded through three additions over the decades, this solid home's greatest asset was always its exceptional setting—commanding views across endless meadows and fields adjacent to a nature reserve on the Eiderstedt peninsula near Sankt Peter Ording. Architect Julia Gustafsson's renovation masterfully unified this patchwork of additions while respecting the original structure, transforming it into a refined minimalist retreat.
Uniform black timber cladding, clean lines without roof overhangs, and flush-mounted window and door frames merge the composition into a striking architectural form with primal appeal. Full-height Danish windows and doors paired with locally sourced Douglas fir stained black establish an unmistakably Scandinavian identity. The design thrives on contrast: dark exterior timber gives way to serene interiors of white and grey, geometric restraint meets the raw beauty of nature.
A sheltered entrance opens into a flowing hallway framed by expansive glazing at either end—instantly drawing the eye toward the surrounding landscape. To the south, the fully transparent living area beckons with generous proportions, a dining zone, and a thoughtfully appointed kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and open transitions flood the interior with natural light, emphasizing the home's sense of spaciousness and continuity. Three bedrooms with box-spring beds and two bathrooms face northeast, while light oak flooring throughout living spaces reflects natural light, wrapping the entire house in warmth and hospitality. Every room has been appointed with carefully curated design classics.
Ten sets of terrace doors dissolve the boundary between interior and the 1,600 m² grounds. The expansive south-facing terrace—complete with heated outdoor shower and grill—commands sweeping views across rolling meadows and open fields. Whether you seek peaceful solitude, a nature retreat, or seaside adventure, this home's thoughtful design and prime location deliver multiple ways to live. The 12 km sandy beach of Sankt Peter Ording is just a five-minute drive away, and a public golf course sits nearby.
(From CUBE Hamburg 02|20)
Anything but ordinary
Sustainability that raises the bar in hospitality: economically, ecologically, and socially
In Safe Hands
The guiding principle: diagnose, treat, and inspire.
Affordable and Sustainable
A residential building by a housing cooperative in the Baakenhafen neighbourhood
Power and Unity
The Erich Kästner School's new main building gives architectural form to values and guiding principles.