Imagine a living space that doesn’t just offer comfort but also vividly captures the pulsating essence of Berlin’s legendary nightlife scene—welcome to a unique apartment that boldly blends the raw energy of Berghain with the cozy feel of a home. But here’s where it gets controversial: creating such an environment involves more than just aesthetics; it’s about crafting atmospheres that evoke strong emotions, whether euphoria or introspection.
This one-of-a-kind residence, nestled within Kreuzberg—the vibrant heart of Berlin—serves as the ‘Berlin sanctuary’ for an American couple. Its interior design is a striking homage to Berghain, the renowned techno club housed in a historic power plant. The project was undertaken by Studio Karhard, a design firm that famously reimagined Berghain’s interior back in 2003.
According to founders Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard, the apartment mirrors Berghain’s unmistakable design language and material palette, yet adapts these elements into a more intimate, homely setting. They reconfigured the layout to boost the sense of space and flood the rooms with natural light. The central lounge features a visually arresting curved wall built from glass bricks, a feature that not only filters sunlight but also creates a semi-transparent, mesmerizing effect, reminiscent of the club’s enigmatic vibe.
The carefully curated furnishings complement the industrial-inspired aesthetic. A deep red, low-profile sofa cradles the curved glass wall on a sleek stainless steel base, which cleverly doubles as side tables on each end. Translucent petrol green glass coffee tables rest atop a plush, velvet circular rug, fostering an inviting yet edgy atmosphere. The choice of terrazzo flooring ties the design together—its timeless elegance adding a unifying touch that balances the bold concept.
Throughout the apartment, the designers favored a collage-like approach to materials and textures, emphasizing tactile and atmospheric qualities that evoke a layered, immersive experience. The open-plan kitchen and dining area continue the glass brick theme, leading into sleek stainless steel cabinetry complemented by raw brass alcoves. The stainless steel elements underscore an industrial feel, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetic discipline.
An intentional contrast exists in spaces that evoke darkness and intimacy, channeling those secret corners often found in nightclubs. The powder room, made entirely of metal, features a partially gridded ceiling and subdued strip lighting above a stark, brutalist-style sink—an homage perhaps to the shadowy vibe of dancing late into the night. Interestingly, the designers contemplated adding a fog machine here as a playful nod to nightlife ambiance but decided against it, citing practicality concerns for a second home.
The bedroom offers a cocoon-like retreat with matte black walls and charcoal bedding, creating a perfect environment for relaxation or contemplation. A small workspace continues this dark, cozy motif, with storage for statement silver suitcases, hinting at frequent travels.
The glass brick wall doesn’t just serve the lounge—it extends into the bathroom, where a sleek black bathtub is illuminated by built-in yellow lights, blending luxury with a hint of nightclub flair.
Studio Karhard’s creative legacy is deeply rooted in its design for Berghain, but their portfolio extends well beyond nightlife venues. Their work spans residential projects, retail spaces, and healthcare environments, each tailored with a keen sense of purpose. As they explain, their goal is to influence feelings and moods—whether to invoke euphoria in a dance club or evoke calm in a medical practice—through deliberate choices in acoustics, lighting, and spatial arrangement.
For instance, last year, another Berlin-based studio, Batek Architekten, crafted a dental clinic featuring an inviting acrylic glass cube that imbues the space with an artistic, approachable atmosphere—proving that thoughtful design can transform even the most mundane environments.
This apartment is more than just a place to live; it’s a statement that architecture can be a vibrant, emotional experience. Do you believe that such bold design choices enhance our connection to space, or do they risk sacrificing comfort for spectacle? Share your thoughts in the comments—are you on board with this edgy, nightlife-inspired approach, or do you think it’s a step too far?
