Apartment with a view | Sehw Architektur

Two international clients, a vacant Gründerzeit building in Berlin's Mitte district and SEHW. That makes for an interesting mixture. For a couple from London, SEHW has built a modern nest above the rooftops of Berlin.

The run-down and vacant apartment is located on the 4th floor, and the corresponding part of the not yet developed attic could be integrated in the planning and fitted out. The lower level has an open-plan layout, with enlarged door openings allowing views into the neighbouring rooms. The whole level is perceived as a spatial continuum, an impression reinforced by the continuous oak parquet flooring. The upper floor accommodates the couple's private retreats, a bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room.

Since the lady of the house works as an art historian, it was evident that plenty of books would have to find room. To emphasise the continuous spatial layout, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf extending over the entire length of the lower level was integrated. A window in this shelf affords views of the neighbouring Plattenbauten, prefabricated concrete high-rises, thus appearing like a photographic work by Andreas Gurski.

A fireplace, a sliding wall for zoning and a free-standing kitchen island are further style-forming elements. Combined with furnishings consisting of design classics, a harmonious whole is created, which is broken up again with a wink by art and decoration.