Situated in the tranquil, remote countryside near the Baltic Sea coast in Wangelkow, Germany, the Dr. Funk Holiday House is a 38-square-meter cottage that was completely renovated in 2022 by Kessler Plescher Architekten. The small, thatched-roof house was originally built in 1958 and is nestled on the shore of a small lake, with access via narrow, sandy paths. The renovation was commissioned by the owner, whose grandfather originally built the house, with the goal of reconfiguring the space to accommodate a variable number of family members and guests. The architects preserved only the original wooden support structure and the thatched roof, revitalizing the interior to create an open and modern living space. The floor plan was reimagined, with the main living space in the center and a spatial layer of "serving functions"—including the kitchen, storage, and bathroom—organized along the outer walls. In the kitchen, a bench was installed along the window to frame views of the lake. The interior palette is playful yet minimalist, featuring reddish-brown and pink checkerboard tiles that distort the perception of the small space. In contrast, light green paint was used on the walls and ceiling of the common area to create a sense of expansiveness, while a dark green in the bedroom blurs the contours of the room. An insertion staircase leads to the upper floor, which provides additional sleeping accommodations. The architects also designed custom freestanding furniture in a vibrant neon yellow to provide a bold contrast to the pinewood fittings. The renovation successfully turned the small cottage into a functional and modern retreat, with an annual festival held at the lake to celebrate its revival. Credits Architects: Arne Keßler and Katrin Julia Plescher of Kessler Plescher Architekten Design Team: Inga Krumme Client: Private (Dr. Funk's grandchildren) Photography: Schnepp Renou

The green studio house, or Atelierhaus, designed by Ludwig Zitzelsberger in Bobingen, Germany, draws inspiration from traditional local barns. Completed in 2023 for an artist, the 124-square-meter timber structure is defined by its deep green exterior, which covers both the timber-board cladding and the roof membrane. The building is set on a site with heterogeneous buildings, from 1960s garages to the 16th-century Cosimosinian Castle. It is located at the end of a long driveway, providing a quiet, central focus for the property. The Atelierhaus features a straightforward, elongated plan, divided into living and studio spaces by a central core that contains the kitchenette and bathroom. Large facade openings, which can be fully closed by external sliding doors, allow the artist to transform the studio into a public gallery-like space or maintain privacy when needed. Inside, the walls and interior roof structure are painted white, providing a neutral backdrop for artistic work and maximizing natural light. The saw-textured folding of the exposed gabled roof remains visible in the studio, adding texture and shaping the atmosphere. The project's design prioritizes simple construction and materials, intended to create a sensual and harmonious space. The structure sits on a planed concrete ground slab, and the interior spaces feature simple, functional finishes. The thoughtful use of materials and a focus on both memory and function make the Atelierhaus a poetic space that is rooted in local tradition while being firmly built for the present. Credits Architect: Ludwig Zitzelsberger Structural Engineer: merz kley partner GmbH Photographer: Sebastian Schels Roofing Manufacturer: Bauder Insulation Manufacturer: Pavatex

"Berlin-based hospitality company Raus collaborated with Danish architect Sigurd Larsen to design the Raus Cabin, a sustainable, off-grid micro-cabin. The prototype debuted in 2022 on the historic Wehrmühle Biesenthal estate, located near Berlin, with the broader concept being to place these self-sufficient cabins in natural landscapes across Germany. The project’s goal is to offer city dwellers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, providing an escape where they can reconnect with nature. The cabin, which occupies a compact 18-square-meter footprint, is designed to feel spacious and open through the use of high ceilings and extensive glazing. The design is a series of varying internal spaces that are aligned with the sun's movement throughout the day. For instance, the east-facing kitchen is filled with morning sunlight, while a small terrace off the bedroom provides a spot for watching the sunset. Panoramic windows and skylights connect the interior with the surrounding landscape, framing specific views and allowing light to filter in. The windows are a key feature, with a sliding section that opens to further immerse guests in the tranquil setting. The cabin is clad in charred and oiled larch wood, a dark exterior that allows it to blend seamlessly with the forest's dark tree trunks. The interiors, by contrast, are kept in an all-black theme, which prevents reflections on the large glass windows and draws focus to the external views. To maximize the small space, functional furniture is built into ""cave-like"" niches within the walls, creating a sense of both openness and protection. The space is fully self-sufficient, equipped with solar panels for energy, a composting toilet, and a water tank. Credits Architect: Sigurd Larsen Client: Raus (Christopher Eilers, Johann Ahlers, and Julian Trautwein) Photography: Noel Richter "

"German industrial designer Patrick Frey and architect Björn Götte collaborated on the Sommerhaus Piu, a prefabricated wooden holiday home completed in 2011. Inspired by Scandinavian summerhouse culture, the design is a modern take on the traditional wilderness retreat, intended to be a versatile space for young families, independent study, or a serene home for retirees. The name Piu, meaning ""more"" in Italian, reflects the home's ability to offer a rich experience in a compact form. The prefab structure is delivered to the site and can be assembled in a single day. The exterior is defined by elegant, horizontally-placed strips of wood, complemented by charcoal-colored edging on the slightly pitched shed roof, and a covered veranda that wraps around the house. A version of the design, measuring 65 square meters, features two bedrooms, with larger and smaller models also available. To maximize interaction with the outdoors, the living and dining areas feature large, full-height sliding glass doors that open to a deck, blurring the boundary between the interior and the surrounding landscape. Conversely, the bedroom areas are protected from direct sunlight with smaller windows for privacy. The interior boasts a simple and functional layout, with a service core containing the kitchen and bathroom at the center, which minimizes hallway space and emphasizes the open living area. A large roof overhang provides shelter, creating an interesting play of shadows on the larch wood facade throughout the day. Credits Architects: Patrick Frey and architect Björn Götte Photography: Patrick Frey"