In a Berlin residential building, two separate apartments have been merged into one expansive home – a transformation that exemplifies thoughtful spatial design. The vision was clear: create a floor plan that honors the apartments' distinct zones while delivering the open, breathable feel that was previously missing. The original layouts were fragmented and inefficient, with cramped, compartmentalized rooms. Adding to the challenge was an awkwardly positioned support column in the former kitchen that had made functional planning nearly impossible.

The redesign also needed to preserve private retreats—spaces where residents could work undisturbed or escape from everyday life. Before detailed planning could begin, extensive structural analysis and coordination with a structural engineer were essential to ensure technical viability. The solution: a carefully executed opening through the load-bearing wall between the apartments, combined with the removal of two additional walls. A double door with glass panels dividing two rooms creates one flowing, generous suite that encourages long sightlines and amplifies the sense of openness. Material selection plays a crucial role in defining the space's character. Warm wood brings comfort and coziness, while large-format ceramic tiles in marble-look finishes deliver the elegance of natural marble—thinner and lighter, yet virtually indistinguishable. Custom lacquered MDF cabinetry offers personalized design possibilities, while carefully chosen textiles—carpets, curtains, and drapery—enhance comfort, provide light control, and improve acoustics. The balconies received equally thoughtful attention: each now features a compact dining nook or custom-upholstered bench. The kitchen follows an L-shaped layout with a peninsula configuration. Access to the master bedroom and ensuite bath is ingeniously concealed behind a hidden door—two sliding pocket doors tucked into tall kitchen cabinetry swing open to reveal this private sanctuary. The ensuite features a soaking tub with heated seat and an integrated bidet toilet, while the wellness bath includes a spacious shower with rainfall showerhead for ultimate relaxation. Completing the apartment's luxury amenities is a private sauna.

From start to finish, the client was an active partner in the design process, cultivating a relationship built on trust – one that extended well beyond the final handover.

www.innerhouse.de

Photos:
Manuel Strunz
www.manuelstrunz.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|25)