Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 20 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 22 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 19 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 18 Opt80

You know you’re in for something unconventional when nightclub architects design your home. Twenty years after creating Berlin’s legendary Berghain, arguably the world’s most exclusive club, Studio Karhard founders Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard faced an unusual brief: bring that infamous club atmosphere into a Kreuzberg apartment.

The clients were drawn to that technical, brutal atmosphere from the nightclub—not exactly what you’d expect someone to want at home. But Thomas and Alexandra understood the challenge: how do you make that kind of intensity feel liveable and cosy?

The American clients needed their Berlin base completely rethought. What started as tweaking storage and expanding the kitchen quickly became a full gut-out. The challenge was turning two rooms into three while keeping things livable, not clublike.

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 05 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 01 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 04 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 03 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 02 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Floorplan

 

Studio Karhard’s masterstroke is a curved glass block wall that separates the entrance from the living space without blocking light. It’s illuminated from within, creating a warm glow that’s nothing like typical Berlin apartment vibes. The lighting concept was one of their first breakthrough ideas, and that ambient light wall gives the whole place a character that’s completely different from standard Berlin building interiors.

The apartment works in light scenes—bright spaces contrasting with darker, moodier areas. The powder room is pure techno fantasy with its metal grid ceiling and coloured lighting. Thomas admits they even considered adding a fog machine to the space—because why not go full club mode? That tiny room basically sums up the whole futuristic theme.

Material choices hit that sweet spot between cool and cosy. The kitchen’s all stainless steel and raw brass, while the walls get textured lime plaster and the seating rocks Kvadrat velvet that feels very 60s Milan. For Studio Karhard, everything comes down to materials—and this apartment perfectly combines classic elements with those warmer notes from the plaster and fabrics.

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 09 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 11 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 14 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 10 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 15 Opt80

 

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 07 Opt80

Yellowtrace Studio Karhard Berlin Apartment Photo Robert Rieger 08 Opt80

 

What made this work was the clients being up for everything. The designers describe the process as like a ping pong game—they gave the architects total creative freedom, which is exactly how Studio Karhard likes to work (I mean, who doesn’t?). No repeated formulas, no cookie-cutter solutions. Every project gets treated as something completely unique.

The thing about nightclub design translating to homes is that it only works when you dial back the intensity while keeping the edge. Studio Karhard nailed this balance, creating spaces that feel futuristic without being cold, industrial without being harsh.

The approach clearly works—they’ve since designed a nightclub-inspired dentist practice completely free of white elements. Because apparently, once you’ve done Berghain, regular design briefs just don’t cut it anymore.

 

 

 


[Images courtesy of Studio Karhard. Photography by Robert Rieger.]

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.