Studio Karhard, the creative force behind Berlin's iconic Berghain nightclub, has reimagined a Kreuzberg apartment, crafting a distinctive living space that mirrors the club's renowned industrial aesthetic. This project, undertaken for an American couple seeking a Berlin retreat, seamlessly blends raw materials like glass bricks and stainless steel with a nuanced approach to light and shadow, delivering a home that is both utilitarian and deeply atmospheric. The design philosophy centers on manipulating spatial elements to influence emotional responses, a technique perfected in their celebrated nightlife venue.
Studio Karhard Infuses Kreuzberg Apartment with Iconic Nightclub Aesthetic
In the vibrant Kreuzberg district of Berlin, renowned design firm Studio Karhard has recently completed a striking apartment renovation, transforming a conventional residence into a dynamic "Berlin base" for an American couple. Drawing inspiration from their seminal work on the legendary Berghain nightclub in 2003, founders Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard have infused the domestic setting with the club's signature industrial charm.
The transformation strategically reconfigured the apartment's layout to enhance spatial openness and maximize natural light within the communal zones. A central feature is an elegantly curved wall constructed from glass bricks, which not only partitions the entrance from the lounge area but also cleverly diffuses light, creating an intriguing interplay of transparency and illumination. The designers noted that these glass blocks contribute to a semi-transparent, visually stimulating environment.
Throughout the residence, a meticulous selection of materials contributes to a collage-like aesthetic, with particular attention paid to tactile and atmospheric qualities. Terrazzo flooring was chosen for its high-quality, timeless appeal, unifying diverse design elements. The living area is anchored by a crimson-red, low-slung sofa with a stainless steel base that cleverly integrates side tables, while petrol-green glass coffee tables add a touch of sophistication atop a plush circular rug.
The open-plan kitchen and dining area continue this material narrative, featuring another prominent glass brick wall complemented by floor-to-ceiling stainless steel cabinetry accented with raw brass alcoves. Karsten and Erhard explained that the stainless steel evokes the rigorous, functional aesthetic of industrial architecture, resonating with the Berghain's origins in a former power plant.
In contrast to the light-filled communal spaces, certain areas of the apartment were deliberately designed to embrace darkness, subtly echoing the intimate corners found within nightclubs. The all-metal powder room exemplifies this with its partially gridded ceiling and minimalist strip lighting illuminating a brutalist-inspired sink. While an initial playful consideration for a smoke machine was eventually deemed impractical for a second home, the intent to evoke a nocturnal ambiance remains palpable.
The bedroom maintains this darker palette with matte black walls and charcoal-colored bedding, creating a serene, cocoon-like retreat. A similarly styled small study, designed to store the occupants' distinctive silver suitcases between their travels, reinforces the apartment's dual identity as a luxurious urban dwelling and a nod to a global, transient lifestyle. The glass brick wall from the living space ingeniously extends into the bathroom, where a gleaming black bathtub is dramatically lit by integrated yellow lights, completing the apartment’s bold and cohesive design narrative.
Studio Karhard's latest project in Berlin serves as a compelling testament to their versatile design philosophy, demonstrating how the potent atmospheric qualities of a renowned cultural venue can be elegantly translated into a residential context. This renovation, drawing on the studio's celebrated work at Berghain, transcends mere interior decoration, venturing into the realm of spatial storytelling. By meticulously crafting environments that evoke specific moods, from the industrial chic of communal areas to the intimate dark hues of private spaces, Karsten and Erhard showcase their mastery in influencing human emotion through design. It reminds us that architecture and interior design are not just about aesthetics and functionality, but also about creating profound sensory and psychological experiences. This apartment is not merely a place to live; it is a curated experience, a "Berlin base" that embodies a distinctive lifestyle and a unique aesthetic vision.