Coach House and Garden Renovation, These unique places are not just private escapes but also bridges between the past and the present. The hidden residential building in the center of the city was built between the 1960s and 1980s on the remains of a war-damaged coach house using found and salvaged building materials. The result is a fascinating array of height differences, split levels, and rooms with diverse layouts, all stemming from a gradual, yet imaginative reconstruction process.
© Frank Sperling
The new intervention highlights the unique evolution of the coach house, reinforcing its original structure while introducing a fresh, contemporary layer to its rich history. The façades and garden remain largely intact, subtly enhanced with additional plants, and complemented by contemporary sculptures and design pieces that create striking contrasts.
© Frank Sperling
The concept of blending found and curated objects in the exterior space extends effortlessly indoors, evolving into a dynamic urban-cultural living experience. This new home stands as a unique and personal residence, offering a rich, varied sequence of rooms that create a distinct sense of place.
© Frank Sperling
Inside, all surfaces were carefully reworked to preserve their original materiality and technical installations, while being seamlessly integrated into a new, monochrome color-block concept. This meticulous “brush renovation” ensured that key elements—such as banisters, doors, tiles, and light switches from previous construction phases—were largely retained, adding a layer of continuity and history to the space.
© Frank Sperling
This rare and unique living situation in the middle of Berlin, nestled within a Berlin city block, offers an urban sanctuary. Surrounded by a wild garden, home to foxes, small animals, birds, and insects, it has now become a tranquil oasis for a family with three children.
Project Info
Architects: J. Mayer H. Architects
Country: Germany
Year: 2024
Photographs: Frank Sperling
Garden Sculpture: Tony Matelli
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.