In a bold renovation, Dresden-based WERCK Workshop modelled the renovation of a 75-square-metre Berlin apartment, inspired by the iconic architecture of Paulo Mendes da Rocha in São Paulo, nearly 10,000 kilometers away. This project showcases their ability to transform a space. Nestled within a 22-storey residential tower completed in 1976, this renovation evokes the ambience of an “oasis above the city,” with details like ceiling fans and a light-toned palette enhancing its unique character.
Stripping Down to Essentials: How the Studio Transformed the Space
The renovation began by dismantling the original three-room layout, which included a windowless kitchen and enclosed bathroom, down to its bare concrete frame. By stripping down spaces to essentials, this minimalist starting point allowed the studio to reimagine the space entirely, setting a new foundation for innovative design.
Creating a Fluid Living Space
This redesigned apartment now features a central servicing core, skillfully integrating the kitchen, washing machine, and bathroom radiator into a single, multifunctional volume. Described as a “piece of furniture” on its own, this core allows for flexible subdivision, facilitated by the use of three sliding doors. This approach mirrors the adaptive styles seen in other contemporary renovations, such as Georgios Apostolopoulos’s Kifisia apartment. Their ability to adeptly merge functionality with modern aesthetics can be seen in similar efforts in the field.
A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function
The living area includes a tiled bench, mirroring an exposed concrete beam overhead. The design cleverly incorporates structural elements into the aesthetic, enhancing both function and visual appeal. Floor-to-ceiling windows replace former sections of the facade, offering expansive views of Berlin and inviting natural light into the home. Highlighting their expertise in marrying design principles with tranquil living.
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Ceramic Echoes of São Paulo
The interior’s color logic nods to São Paulo’s residential architecture, utilizing ceramic tiles reminiscent of the Higienópolis neighborhood. Each room is imbued with a distinct mood, thanks to this nuanced palette, creating a cohesive yet dynamic living environment.
Respecting Original Details
Original built-in cabinets were not discarded but reimagined, rotated 90 degrees and subtly integrated with a curtain for versatile use. The existing wood tones inspired the introduction of new American cherry elements, mirroring the restraint seen in Bruzkus Greenberg’s Blue Box apartment. Their respect and innovation with existing elements is evident here.
Renovation with Precision and Purpose
At a cost of 1,060 euros per square metre, facade included, this comprehensive renovation incorporated premium materials like aluminium, linoleum, and fine stone. These elements were skillfully assembled by joinery contractor Eder Berlin under WERCK Workshop’s direction. The project, realized with the support of Hauptstadt-Studio.Berlin’s Lukas Beer, highlights the potential of East German housing stock, proposing that robust structural systems and generous proportions lie beneath, waiting for precise interventions.
Remarkably, the preserved cabinets, with their rotating adaptability and the choice of when to reveal or conceal their contents, speak to a philosophy of respecting the past while embracing a modern vision.
This harmonized design not only revives an aging structure but also redefines the living experience within, blending the essence of São Paulo with Berlin’s urban landscape, perfectly illustrating their prowess in innovating and integrating urban and architectural design.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the Berlin apartment renovation by WERCK Workshop?
The renovation was inspired by the iconic architecture of Paulo Mendes da Rocha in São Paulo, nearly 10,000 kilometers away.
How did WERCK Workshop transform the apartment’s original layout?
The original three-room layout, including a windowless kitchen and enclosed bathroom, was dismantled down to its bare concrete frame, allowing the studio to reimagine the space entirely.
How does the redesigned apartment integrate form and function?
The living area includes structural elements like a tiled bench and an exposed concrete beam, enhancing both function and visual appeal, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views of Berlin.