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