Project Details

Completed: 08/2013

Client: Ralf Schmitz, Kempen

Area: 707 sqm

Architecture: Petra and Paul Kahlfeldt Architekten, Berlin

Material: Extruded brick, 711ws, DF

Photos: Stefan Müller

Lived Tradition in Berlin-Dahlem

The Berlin-based architectural office Petra and Paul Kahlfeldt, together with the client Ralf Schmitz, designed the new building as a two-storey structure with a half-hipped roof, thereby continuing the tradition of the classic Berlin villa typology. Dahlem, still regarded as one of Berlin’s most prestigious districts, is primarily characterized by villas from the early 20th century, reminiscent of the flourishing bourgeois era during the Imperial period.

As a traditional and timeless façade material, the client and architects selected the red extruded brick clinker 711ws, while the building base and window surrounds were finished with light-colored plaster. The street-facing façade is symmetrically composed, with the entrance portal framed by sand-colored stone columns and the roof dormer forming the central axis. The floor-to-ceiling mullioned windows, dark balcony railings, and light-colored shutters stand out elegantly against the homogeneous brick masonry. The rear façade of the building was completely plastered, while the roof was covered with anthracite-colored slate tiles.

The ground floor is slightly elevated, and classical columns lead into the representative and spacious entrance hall. An underground garage with six parking spaces is located in the basement level. All interior spaces are generously proportioned and distinguished by high ceilings and refined materials such as elegant stucco, solid wood parquet flooring, and marble. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide abundant natural light throughout the expansive interiors.