Japanese Penthouse, Berlin | Germany

With the Japanese Penthouse , the Berlin Studio of CARLO Design has created an extraordinarily clear living space that combines traditional Japanese design principles with contemporary European interior design. In around 120 m², a place of calm and reduction has been created in the centre of Berlin – inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and implemented with the highest technical precision.

The owner, who lived in Japan for over a decade, wanted a haven that brought the aesthetic clarity and attentiveness of Japanese architecture into her life in Berlin. The team from CARLO Design made this wish real with purpose-built units, natural materials and an open ground plan flooded with light.

A particular highlight is an integrated tea area, using Tatami mats and with gold decoration on the wall surface and space-defining wooden elements. The connection to nature of Japanese design is reflected in the entrance area, for example with wallpaper showing a stylised woodland scene. Antique Japanese sliding doors were carefully restored and re-used. The purpose-built kitchen serves as the communicative heart of the apartment and contributes to the flowing, room-spanning design. Reduced lines, white wood colours and clear surfaces dominate. Furniture pieces from Japanese  manufacturers lend additional authenticity to the ensemble. Products from JUNG were used for the technical equipment, which discretely integrate into the puristic design concept. The LS 990 range in white emphasises the architectural clarity of the space with its reduced design language.

The Japanese Penthouse is an impressive example of culturally sensitive design that is distinguished by respect, reduction and the highest faithfulness to detail. It proves how far-eastern design can be translated to a European metropolis.