# Modern interventions in a century-old home near Berlin Ænsemble studio adds contemporary layers to a historic German residence. - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-07-29 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b7a8c589-64c5-4526-b409-2798b9b339ca ## Preserving historical fabric The 700-square-meter Wilhelminian-era house, built in early 20th century, was in ruins when purchased by an artist family. Berlin-based Ænsemble preserved period features due to heritage status while ensuring new additions remain 'deliberately legible as contemporary layers'. Co-founder Judith Kading emphasizes this approach makes different eras of the building visible. The renovation balances historical integrity with modern living needs through careful material selections. ## Modern kitchen centerpiece The relocated kitchen features a sky-blue Corian island with integrated stove, sink and cabinets, creating a functional hub that contrasts with historic geometry through soft curves. The studio notes the vibrant color remains anchored in the delicate overall palette. Originally located in a separate ground floor room, the kitchen now occupies a more central, social position. This strategic placement resolves the original lack of communal spaces while respecting the building's layout. ## Bold interior interventions Built-in furnishings throughout the house feature daring color choices: crimson salon sofa, navy blue passageway cabinets, sea-green upstairs window seats. These hues enliven the pale architectural shell. The family added personal touches like ceramic handles molded from walnuts and leaves collected from the garden. Powder-pink fluted paneling in the den softens spatial transitions while maintaining visibility of original walls. ## Functional transformations The problematic first floor, formerly staff quarters, now hosts spacious bedrooms with modern en-suite bathrooms featuring terrazzo tiles and black fixtures. A light-filled winter room offers garden and river views with inviting fireplace and bookshelves. The former kitchenette area became a relaxation nook with built-in sofa-bed concealed behind curved pink paneling. These changes address the original disjointed layout while preserving character. ## Design philosophy Ænsemble's approach centers on making contemporary interventions visible without erasing historical fabric. Kading states, 'Recreating past architectural styles would confine the building to single era and fail to communicate today's design ethos to future generations.' The studio employs restrained, abstract design language to ensure new elements don't dominate historic features. This methodology creates dialogue between old and new rather than pastiche. ## Spatial problem-solving The renovation focused on addressing the original lack of ground floor living areas and the first floor's fragmented layout. Söllner Wagner Architekten executed structural changes while Ænsemble worked to make spaces feel more cohesive. Particularly dark and cramped rooms overloaded with wooden ornamentation were simplified and brightened. The redesign creates better flow while respecting the building's historical proportions and circulation patterns. ## Material selections Contemporary materials were deliberately chosen to contrast with historical textures. The Corian kitchen island, terrazzo bathrooms and ceramic accessories provide modern counterpoints to preserved original woodwork and paneling. Details like fluted pink panels soften spatial transitions. This material palette visually distinguishes new interventions while complementing existing features, creating a legible timeline of modifications. ## Cultural heritage and future This project serves as significant case study in adapting historic buildings to contemporary needs. The artist family's live-work space documents different eras through visible layers. Ænsemble's approach could inform future conservation projects seeking balance between preservation and adaptation. By making modern interventions deliberately legible, the design creates an architectural palimpsest that honors both past and present craftsmanship. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/29/country-house-by-the-river-aensemble/ — --- _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._