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Berlin Houzz: A Touch of Japanese Forest Bathing in a German Home
Beloved memories of Japan come to life with the renovation of this 120-square-metre apartment in Berlin, Germany
After the owner of this German penthouse got in touch with architect Charlotte Wiessner via Houzz, the client tasked Wiessner with making her feel as though she was back in Japan. “We were very lucky that no other requirements were imposed on us,” says Wiessner of Carlo – Architecture & Interior Design. It took the architect a little longer than a year to transform the apartment so it was reminiscent of a trip her client made to Japan. Today, the unique ambience is based on a modern yet respectful interpretation of Japanese aesthetics.
CH25 Lounge Chair by Carl Hansen & Søn.
Once you’re on the sixth floor of this apartment block, where this home is located, the noisy traffic from the busy street below completely disappears.
Tucked away in this retreat, tradition is translated into exquisite interior design. “The challenge was to explore and understand Japanese traditions and translate them into an authentic-looking space,” says Wiessner. The apartment is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) for stress management. Even the entrance area is reminiscent of a relaxing forest bath with the wallpaper designed by artist Anna Talens, which covers the walls and doors.
Is your home in need of a fresh new look? Find architects on Houzz near you and browse their projects
Once you’re on the sixth floor of this apartment block, where this home is located, the noisy traffic from the busy street below completely disappears.
Tucked away in this retreat, tradition is translated into exquisite interior design. “The challenge was to explore and understand Japanese traditions and translate them into an authentic-looking space,” says Wiessner. The apartment is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) for stress management. Even the entrance area is reminiscent of a relaxing forest bath with the wallpaper designed by artist Anna Talens, which covers the walls and doors.
Is your home in need of a fresh new look? Find architects on Houzz near you and browse their projects
From the entrance, one of the doors with the forest motif leads into a spacious room that is divided into a cloakroom area and an adjoining library. The sliding, antique Japanese ‘summer’ doors of the spacious built-in wardrobe underline the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
The doors were found in a Berlin antique shop and installed in their original condition. Opposite these is a joinery-style open shoe rack, as is common in Japan. Dark green fabric lines the back wall of the shelf and softly frames the round mirror.
The doors were found in a Berlin antique shop and installed in their original condition. Opposite these is a joinery-style open shoe rack, as is common in Japan. Dark green fabric lines the back wall of the shelf and softly frames the round mirror.
The wood of the bookcase reflects the material used in the living room and kitchen, which promotes sensual harmony with its dark green tones.
This is another haven of peace in the penthouse, which can be enjoyed whether alone or with company.
This is another haven of peace in the penthouse, which can be enjoyed whether alone or with company.
CH22 Lounge Chair by Carl Hansen & Søn.
A double door leads into the bright and open living room. The thoughtfully placed furniture and accessories contribute to a friendly and serene atmosphere.
A double door leads into the bright and open living room. The thoughtfully placed furniture and accessories contribute to a friendly and serene atmosphere.
The floor plan.
The living area, which includes an open-plan kitchen, is all about ‘deceleration’. Here, a bright but quiet tea corner invites the owner to enjoy the traditional tea ceremony or chanoyu, while the gold leaf on the walls creates uplifting light reflections.
The design for the tea corner, as well as for the kitchen, was created by Wiessner and built by the joinery company Bau+Art. “The ceiling of the tea corner features an illuminated, slat-like structure. It is made of traditional, Japanese wooden elements. The Tatami mats were tailor-made in Japan,” says Wiessner. “And, behind the Japanese paper [screen], is an LED frame.”
In 2022, Wiessner was awarded a Callwey Best of Interior accolade (a German award scheme) for the design of this apartment.
The design for the tea corner, as well as for the kitchen, was created by Wiessner and built by the joinery company Bau+Art. “The ceiling of the tea corner features an illuminated, slat-like structure. It is made of traditional, Japanese wooden elements. The Tatami mats were tailor-made in Japan,” says Wiessner. “And, behind the Japanese paper [screen], is an LED frame.”
In 2022, Wiessner was awarded a Callwey Best of Interior accolade (a German award scheme) for the design of this apartment.
The adjacent kitchen merges into an elegant dining area. The chairs, like the stained kitchen fronts, are made of walnut. Fir-green upholstery and accessories reinforce the association with the forest.
DC10 chairs by Miyazaki.
“We wanted to emphasise the clear and simple lines of Japanese design here. All built-in elements throughout the penthouse are made of walnut, which is associated with Japanese design. This also contrasts perfectly with the sand and cream tones we have chosen,” says Wiessner. A large glass door leads onto a balcony that extends the length of the apartment.
“We wanted to emphasise the clear and simple lines of Japanese design here. All built-in elements throughout the penthouse are made of walnut, which is associated with Japanese design. This also contrasts perfectly with the sand and cream tones we have chosen,” says Wiessner. A large glass door leads onto a balcony that extends the length of the apartment.
Chair by Norman Cherner.
Minimalism ensures a calm feeling of spaciousness, even in the main bathroom, which is accessible from the hallway. The ikebana floral wall decoration adds liveliness to a generally relaxing ambiance.
Minimalism ensures a calm feeling of spaciousness, even in the main bathroom, which is accessible from the hallway. The ikebana floral wall decoration adds liveliness to a generally relaxing ambiance.
Before Photo
The bathroom before works.
“The existing bathrooms were completely remodelled,” says Wiessner. “The walls as well as the floor have a plaster finish. This creates an overall clear and calming feeling. Nothing should distract from the tranquillity and purity here. Only the vases, which tie in the Japanese design element of ikebana, attract attention.”
The basin and back wall are made of natural stone to complement the plaster. Seamless and with designer fittings, the bathroom impresses with its understated elegance.
The basin and back wall are made of natural stone to complement the plaster. Seamless and with designer fittings, the bathroom impresses with its understated elegance.
The bedroom has an ensuite with a shower, which echoes the palette and materials used in the main bathroom for continuity.
Browse more beautiful Australian bathrooms
Browse more beautiful Australian bathrooms
There is also a small balcony off the bedroom to welcome the morning right after waking up on this sixth-floor penthouse.
Hand-painted wallpaper by De Gournay.
In a corner of the bedroom, next to the balcony door, is a small dressing table. Its simple design blends with the dynamic design of the wardrobe. The doors are adorned with wallpaper featuring a fish motif.
In this room, we again see the successful interplay between silence and movement. All rooms are harmoniously balanced, making this penthouse a sanctuary of inner peace for its owner.
In a corner of the bedroom, next to the balcony door, is a small dressing table. Its simple design blends with the dynamic design of the wardrobe. The doors are adorned with wallpaper featuring a fish motif.
In this room, we again see the successful interplay between silence and movement. All rooms are harmoniously balanced, making this penthouse a sanctuary of inner peace for its owner.
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Which elements of this interior do you love? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Craving a peek inside more great homes? Read about the inspired journey of this Rural Houzz: A Reader’s Forever Home, Inspired by Houzz
Which elements of this interior do you love? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Craving a peek inside more great homes? Read about the inspired journey of this Rural Houzz: A Reader’s Forever Home, Inspired by Houzz
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A translator and her dog
Location: Berlin, Germany
Size: Approximately 120 square metres
Design: Charlotte Wiessner of Carlo – Architecture & Interior Design
Did you use Houzz for this project?
Yes, the client for this project got in touch with the architect via Houzz.