a historic gem for modern architecture
kleinmachnow, nestled just southwest of berlin, is steeped in history, particularly for those with a keen interest in early 20th-century modernist architecture. the area has long been a haven for visionary designers, and traces of architectural genius can be seen throughout its landscape, where renowned architects such as walter gropius, egon eiermann, hermann henselmann, and ferdinand zarth have left their mark. this architectural legacy adds a layer of historical significance to the location, making it one of berlin’s most important suburbs for those with an appreciation for both past and contemporary design
kleinmachnow’s architectural narrative has continued to evolve, with the triesch residence now contributing to this rich tapestry. as a modern home that bridges the gap between past and future, it carries forward the tradition of bold, forward-thinking design, much like the projects of gropius and eiermann did in the early 20th century. the tranquil surroundings of this leafy suburb, combined with its proximity to central berlin, offer residents a unique blend of natural beauty and modernist heritage.
Unique Residence by Ray Kappe – Californian Modernism in Europe
- Unique design by Ray Kappe, the only building in Europe by this Californian architect
- Harmonious combination of glass, Californian redwood, and Douglas fir wood
- Central living area with atrium and open kitchen and dining area, based on the concept of "spatial explosion"
- Intimate, sunken lounge separated from the reception area and dining room by a fireplace
- First-floor gallery connects the rooms, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow
- Fully equipped entertainment room for music and home cinema
- Lighting by Super Modular, with a Stan Bitters mural as an artistic highlight in the living area
- High-quality details: Font Barcelona light switches, FSB door handles, and Loxone smart home system
- Custom-made features including oak parquet flooring and a Japanese Ofuro-style bathtub
- Three luxurious bathrooms with Rauriser natural stone, Dornbracht fixtures, and an Aqua Moon shower
- Sauna in minimalist Kengo Kuma style, complemented by an Ofuro-style bathtub for luxurious wellness
- 1,000 m² south-facing plot, surrounded by majestic pine trees
- Stylish outdoor lighting by Isamu Noguchi and Brent Bennet
- Automatic garden irrigation and recessed fire pit in the outdoor area
this exceptional residence is a one-of-a-kind architectural project, representing the only home in europe designed by the legendary californian architect ray kappe. renowned for his pioneering contributions to southern californian modernism, kappe was a visionary who combined elements of organic architecture with a deep respect for the environment. his designs are celebrated for their use of natural materials, open floor plans, and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. kappe founded the southern california institute of architecture (sci-arc), where he influenced generations of architects with his philosophy of design that emphasized sustainability, modular construction, and a fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces.
as kappe once described of his significant works, “i take visitors of the house through a sequence that begin s at a deep point, followed by an ascent, and finally culminates in a kind of spatial explosion.” this guiding philosophy is reflected in every aspect of this residence. the characteristic clean lines, present in the home’s exterior and interior, flow seamlessly, creating a harmonious interplay between glass and reddish woods like douglas fir and redwood, sourced directly from california.
set on a sun-drenched 1000-square-meter plot, this south-facing property is surrounded by majestic pine trees, creating a blend of architecture and nature that echoes kappe’s vision. large expanses of glass flood the interior with natural light, enhancing the open-plan design that’s signature to his style. the design fosters surprising visual connections between spaces, making the house feel interconnected while also respecting the natural surroundings.
the heart of the home features a central living area with a dramatic atrium and an open kitchen and dining area, embodying what ray kappe referred to as a "spatial explosion." this moment occurs as the layout ascends and opens up, creating both horizontal and vertical links throughout the house. classical elements of compression and decompression, inspired by frank lloyd wright, are subtly incorporated into the design, offsetting the height between the first and second floors—another signature feature of californian modernism.
the sunken lounge, separated by the fireplace from the reception area and dining room, creates an intimate yet connected living space. above, a gallery on the second floor serves as a passageway that connects various rooms while offering space to pause and linger. this architectural layering fosters an ever-changing play of light and shadow, amplified by the interplay of concrete pylons and skylights. the result is a dynamic atmosphere that evolves throughout the day, enhancing the sense of openness and freedom that defines the home.
this residence offers a balance between sophistication and simplicity, with bespoke materials like red oak flooring and an ofuro-style japanese bathtub enhancing the home’s timeless elegance. every detail, from the sandblasted concrete pylons to the precision of the corian-clad interior walls, contributes to the overall aesthetic excellence of this architectural masterpiece.
