The job description was roughly as follows: Design an office that isn't an office - or at least doesn't look like one. The request came from a well-known director who also works as a producer, director, CEO and professor at the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy. His wish was to design a new office as a place to live and work in Potsdam. A suitable property was found for the premises in the Nauener Vorstadt district - more precisely: the converted gabled roof of a typical Brandenburg house from 1880, which, with its exposed, visible roof beams, seemed perfectly suited to the project of setting up an unconventional office.

Interior designer Isabel Droste zu Senden was commissioned to design the interior. Following jointly developed ideas and concepts, she set to work. The guiding principle of the design was to create an intermediate form of living and working. The result is now a relaxed, homely atmosphere: comfortable, inviting, but also functional. In the entrance area, the newly designed "NH" logo is emblazoned on an orange wall on a white background. Right next to it is the deep matt blue wall, which was never missing in any of the director's previous offices. It is the backdrop for the special showpieces that have won prizes. Then you enter the reception area. Here, the color concept that Isabel Droste developed for Senden becomes clear: it consists of pastel shades - colorful, but in a soft way. The walls are cream-colored and plastered in a terre d`ombre tone to match the exposed beams. A darker brown carpet creates the basis for two very comfortable sofas facing each other in a pale purple tone. Open shelving gives the room a transparent appearance. A lot of shelf space was needed to display more trophies and prizes. The interior designer designed furniture for fixed fixtures and loose furniture that can serve as room dividers, for example, but which, because they are open, do not disturb the airy character. A lounge adjoining the entrance and anteroom is intended for meetings or for watching films. Behind it is the conference area with a large table. A number of built-in units allow visually disruptive elements, such as all the technology, to disappear behind the end devices in the wall. Planner Isabel Droste zu Senden and her client already knew each other from previous collaborations. She has accompanied almost every one of the director's relocations as an interior designer, as a result of which the collaboration has "matured", so to speak, and they understand and complement each other effortlessly. This home office is now the successful result of this 20-year collaboration.

www.droste-architekten.de

Photos:
Nina Struve
www.ninastruve.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 04|24)