Houzz Tour: A Touch of Japanese Forest Bathing in Berlin
Beloved memories of Japan come to life with a penthouse renovation led by an architect found on Houzz
Architect Charlotte Wiessner says her client, who contacted her on Houzz, wanted this Berlin penthouse to make her feel as though she were back in Japan. “No other requirements were imposed on us,” Wiessner says. Transforming her client’s home to be reminiscent of a trip to Japan took a little longer than a year. The unique ambience is based on a modern yet respectful interpretation of Japanese aesthetics.
“The challenge was to explore and understand Japanese traditions and translate them into an authentic-looking space,” Wiessner says. The apartment is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, for stress management. Even the entrance area is reminiscent of a relaxing forest bath. Artist Anna Talens designed the wallpaper that covers the walls and doors.
CH25 lounge chair: Carl Hansen & Søn
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CH25 lounge chair: Carl Hansen & Søn
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Floor plan
From the entrance, one of the doors with the forest motif leads into a spacious room that is divided into a powder room and an adjoining library. The antique Japanese sliding summer doors of the spacious built-in closet underline the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
The doors were found in a Berlin antique shop and installed in their original condition. Opposite these is a cabinet-style open shoe rack, common in Japan. Dark green fabric lines the back wall of the shelf and softly frames the round mirror.
The doors were found in a Berlin antique shop and installed in their original condition. Opposite these is a cabinet-style open shoe rack, common in Japan. Dark green fabric lines the back wall of the shelf and softly frames the round mirror.
The wood of the bookcase reflects the material used in the living room and kitchen, which promotes sensual harmony with its dark green tones.
This is another haven of peace in the penthouse, which can be enjoyed alone or with company.
This is another haven of peace in the penthouse, which can be enjoyed alone or with company.
A double door leads into the bright and open living room. The thoughtfully placed furniture and accessories contribute to a friendly and serene atmosphere.
CH22 lounge chair: Carl Hansen & Søn
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CH22 lounge chair: Carl Hansen & Søn
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The living area, which includes an open kitchen, is all about deceleration, or a reduction in speed. Here, a bright but quiet tea corner invites the owner to enjoy the traditional tea ceremony chanoyu, while the gold leaf on the walls creates sensual light reflections.
The design for the tea corner, as well as for the kitchen, was created by Wiessner and built by the cabinet company Bau+Art. “The ceiling of the tea corner features an illuminated, slat-like structure. It is made of traditional Japanese wooden elements. The tatami mats were tailor-made in Japan,” Wiessner says. “And behind the Japanese paper is an LED frame.”
She won a Callwey Best of Interior award in 2022 for the design of this apartment.
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The design for the tea corner, as well as for the kitchen, was created by Wiessner and built by the cabinet company Bau+Art. “The ceiling of the tea corner features an illuminated, slat-like structure. It is made of traditional Japanese wooden elements. The tatami mats were tailor-made in Japan,” Wiessner says. “And behind the Japanese paper is an LED frame.”
She won a Callwey Best of Interior award in 2022 for the design of this apartment.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
The adjacent kitchen merges into an elegant dining area. The chairs, like the stained kitchen fronts, are made of walnut. Fir green upholstery and accessories reinforce the association with the forest. A large glass door leads onto a balcony that extends the length of the apartment.
DC10 chairs: Miyazaki; Jiff table: Flexform
DC10 chairs: Miyazaki; Jiff table: Flexform
“We wanted to emphasize the clear and simple lines of Japanese design here. All built-in elements throughout the penthouse are made of walnut, which is associated with Japanese design. This also contrasts perfectly with the sand and cream tones we have chosen,” Wiessner says.
Minimalism ensures a calm feeling of spaciousness, even in the main bathroom, which is accessible from the hallway. The ikebana wall decoration adds liveliness to a generally relaxing ambience.
Chair: Norman Cherner
Chair: Norman Cherner
“The existing bathrooms were completely remodeled,” Wiessner says. “The walls as well as the floor have a plaster finish. This creates an overall clear and calming feeling. Nothing should distract from the tranquility and purity here. Only the vases, which tie in the Japanese design element of ikebana, attract attention.”
The basin and back wall are made of natural stone to match the plaster. Seamless and with designer fixtures, the bathroom impresses with its understated elegance.
The basin and back wall are made of natural stone to match the plaster. Seamless and with designer fixtures, the bathroom impresses with its understated elegance.
The bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a shower. There is also a small balcony off the bedroom.
In a corner of the bedroom next to the balcony door is a small dressing table. Its simple design blends with the dynamic design of the closet. The doors are adorned with wallpaper featuring a fish motif. In this room, we again see the successful interplay between silence and movement. All rooms are harmoniously balanced, making this penthouse a sanctuary of inner peace for its owner.
Hand-painted wallpaper: De Gournay
Hand-painted wallpaper: De Gournay
A close-up of the vanity and mirror in the en suite bathroom.
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A translator and her dog
Location: Berlin
Size: 1,292 square feet (120 square meters)
Architect: Charlotte Wiessner of Carlo - Architecture & Interior
Once you’re on the sixth floor, where this apartment is located, the noisy traffic from the busy street below disappears. Here, tradition is translated into exquisite interior design.