# South American cinema inspires Munich townhouse design Holzrausch studio creates cinematic atmosphere with dark wood and tropical plants - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-07-31 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a676d382-d4d1-47c2-bf5d-913f0ac1973f ## Cinematic inspiration in home design German architecture studio Holzrausch drew inspiration from 1970s South American cinema for this Munich townhouse. Designed for film producer Cornelia Popp and her husband, the residence features a dark, secluded and theatrical atmosphere, departing from typical German minimalist aesthetics. Studio co-founder Sven Petzold describes the house as an experience that 'unfolds scene by scene', creating a narrative journey through the space. ## Narrative-driven spatial design Every transition, light change and material choice in the house contributes to a spatial story. Holzrausch intentionally made the architecture recede into the background to emphasize atmosphere. A narrow wood-panelled staircase and small vestibule create a dramatic entry sequence leading to the bright living space. This approach transforms the home from merely functional to an immersive experience that engages all senses. ## Carefully curated material palette The interior features smoked oak joinery, dark-stained okoume wood floors and wood-panelled ceilings, creating depth and warmth while evoking a refined cave-like feeling. In contrast, the kitchen and bathrooms incorporate cooler materials like Vitoria Regia quartzite, Wachenzeller limestone and stainless steel. These material choices establish a sophisticated dialogue between warmth and precision throughout the home. ## Strategic use of light and greenery The double-height living space benefits from large glazed doors opening to a balcony and clerestory windows that filter daylight through tropical plants. Holzrausch's careful selection of ambient lighting enhances the club-like atmosphere. This lighting strategy deliberately ignores the building's 1990s architectural context, instead creating a self-contained world with its own distinctive character. ## Harmonious color and texture play Vibrant yellow accents appear in bar stools, dining furniture and cabinetry, contrasting with the dominant dark tones. The kitchen features a striking marble-patterned quartzite backsplash and stainless steel island that provide cool counterpoints to warm wood elements. Brushed metal surfaces subtly reflect light and movement, adding dynamic qualities to the carefully composed spaces. ## Custom craftsmanship details All carpentry, joinery and furniture were custom-made in Holzrausch's own workshop, complemented by select pieces from Dimore Milano, Tacchini, Haymann and vintage Pierre Chareau designs. These bespoke elements strengthen the home's cinematic atmosphere while demonstrating the studio's attention to detail. Each custom piece contributes to the cohesive narrative running through the entire residence. ## Studio's design philosophy Founded in Munich in 1998, Holzrausch has previously designed a Frankfurt penthouse with expansive terraces and a Mallorca holiday home inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán's colorful style. The studio consistently focuses on creating spatial experiences and atmospheric qualities in their projects. This latest design successfully translates the visual language of South American cinema into architectural form. ## Significance of the design approach Holzrausch's project highlights the importance of narrative and emotional connection in interior design. Enriched with cinematic references, the space offers not just functionality but an experience-driven living environment. The harmonious blend of dark tones and natural materials introduces contemporary comfort while the theatrical atmosphere reflects the homeowners' personal story, proving that homes can be both shelters and stages for life's dramas. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/31/holzrausch-renovated-munich-townhouse/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._