graft digitally resynthesizes classical villa design rules in berlin

for graft architects, ‘villa M’ in berlin was a chance to rethink the traditional typology of a private house. the structure resembles more of a boulder than a human home as we have come to know it. its glacial appearance is achieved by cladding the façade with ceramic plates. it sits in a sea of green, strategically placed to establish visual connections with the landscape. this asymmetrical appearance is reflected in the interiors where flowing transitions between the rooms create a sense of openness.

image by tobias hein

throughout the graft-designed home, this naturalistic impression of living inside a rock is reinforced by the use of travertine stone floors in the many rooms and winding passageways. aside from the kitchen and living room, there are two additional rooms on the ground floor, a master bedroom on the upper floor as well as a large corridor, terrace and four more rooms. the unique layout offers great variety and openness for future renovations. the floors are separated off into self containing apartments where each resident can have their say on the design. 

image by tobias hein

the various floors can be accessed via the outer staircase. for this project the architects chose materials based on their durability and recyclability, as well as their ability to insulate and hold heat. to continue with the naturalistic theme, the heating and cooling is provided by a geothermal system making the design more thoughtfully integrated into the landscape.

image by tobias hein

image by tobias hein

image by tobias hein

image by tobias hein

image by tobias hein

image by frank herfort

image by frank herfort

image by frank herfort

image by frank herfort

image by frank herfort 

image by tobias hein

image by tobias hein

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project info:

architect: graft architects
founding partners: lars krückeberg, wolfram putz, thomas willemeit project designer: marvin bratke, marc friedhoff
project lead: konstantin buhr, nils von minckwitz
project team: aleksandra zajko, allison weiler, anna wittwer, dorothea von rotberg, frank petters

location: berlin-grunewald, germany
project: new construction of a single family house/ villa with separate apartment
year: 2015-2017
GFA: 870 sqm
NIA: 730 sqm
living space: 530 sqm