When their children moved out, the couple sought a fresh start in a more appropriately scaled home. Their choice fell on a Hohenfelde penthouse near the Alster, an elegant extension built in 2010. While the apartment appeared promising at first glance, Thomas Dietrich Architecture & Interior Design saw deeper potential—carefully restructuring the floor plan to perfectly align with the couple's lifestyle and needs.

Thoughtfully conceived renovations reshape the spatial flow of this 200-square-meter apartment, now divided into two distinct yet seamlessly connected zones: a generous public realm featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing for living, dining, and cooking, and an intimate private sanctuary encompassing two bedrooms, dressing areas, and bathrooms. A central hallway links these areas, while integrated pocket doors hidden within wall panelling allow for flexible spatial separation. Upon entry, the apartment's expansiveness immediately captivates. A continuous flooring treatment reinforces this fluid spatial progression. Custom-designed built-ins serve double duty—providing ample storage while creating elegant platforms to showcase personal treasures and curated collector's pieces. The kitchen reveals itself only through its built-in oven and hood; the induction cooktop sits cleverly beneath stone cladding, preserving the refined minimalism of the design. Every material and hue has been carefully orchestrated in harmony. Dark wood surfaces punctuate the luminous, open expanse. A light ash dressing room ushers the homeowner into her serene bedroom retreat. Sliding doors to both the dressing area and master bath integrate seamlessly into wall panelling, opening completely to dissolve boundaries between spaces. Soft, matte finishes on walls and floors recede gracefully, allowing the rich natural textures of wood and stone to command visual presence. Each natural stone was hand-selected, with grain patterns deliberately oriented to emphasize the monolithic quality of the design. For his bedroom, the homeowner commissioned custom elm cabinetry, personally curating every veneer. Paired with delicate brass detailing and strategic color accents, the result is a tranquil sanctuary for rest and reflection. The dressing room and climate control systems vanish discreetly behind wall panelling. Throughout every phase of execution, exceptional craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail remained paramount.

www.thomasdietrich.com

Photography Credits:

Jörg Rothhaar
www.joergrothhaar.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 01|24)