Alpine building in Berlin? Unlikely at first glance—the city boasts only a handful of modest elevations, most created from rubble heaps left by World War II.

One such hill—the Rauenberg at 73 metres—rises in the Tempelhof district. Here, on Marienhöher Weg, STP Architects have designed a striking family residence. The hillside setting itself is uncommon for Berlin, but equally distinctive is the cedar-clad façade with its soft grey-silver patina. The street-facing north elevation is deliberately restrained, with only a corner glass bay window offering glimpses toward the sloping parkland beyond.

The design cleverly exploits the steep slope: a compact two-storey front elevation contrasts with a four-storey rear that nestles into the hillside. Here, expansive glazing and generous window openings create a gallery of views, framed by generous balconies and terraces. Continuous glass railings on the upper levels ensure unobstructed sightlines, capturing the full potential of this distinctive topography.

The pitched roof respects its neighbours' eave heights, with a recessed roof terrace visible only from the rear. Despite its contemporary design and distinctive materials, the house integrates harmoniously with its urban surroundings.

The residence provides 350 m² of living space across four levels. Should the owners' needs evolve beyond their current family-focused layout, the design allows for subdivision into two independent units—each occupying two floors with separate street-level entrances—without compromise to either apartment's functionality.

Inside, an exposed concrete wall spanning two storeys anchors the spatial design. Custom display vitrines throughout satisfy the owners' collecting passion while creating intimate, gallery-like moments. Geothermal heating and photovoltaic systems integrate seamlessly, their presence felt but never seen. A refreshing departure from Berlin's typical urban fabric.

www.stp-architekten.de

(Featured in CUBE Berlin 04|20)