Berlin Beauty by Mar Plus Ask

Architectural duo Mar Vincens and Ask AnkerAistrup (of Mar Plus Ask), have impressively converted the ground floor of a former pharmaceutical supermarket into a one-bedroom home and office. Located in the heart of Berlin’s diverse Kreuzberg district, the space has had a complete overhaul and now boasts beautiful high ceilings, a concrete polished floor and stucco-style rendered walls.

Carefully designed and beautifully executed are the built-in elements that run wall to wall. In the living area, small windows have been replaced by huge oak windows, custom designed by Mar Plus Ask and made in Denmark. Bringing in lots of natural light, they brighten up the home and open out to a small private garden in the courtyard. Central to the common areas is the show-stopper kitchen, which features a very long concrete island cast directly on site with a gorgeous terrazzo-like texture.

The raised living room was a deliberate design element to create a sense of intimacy in the open plan space. The large built-in closet is one of my favourite features (I’m taking notes for our downstairs living), and provides plenty of storage space. Beautifully furnished with Safari chairs by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen & Son, these are paired with the Piero coffee table by Joa Herrenknecht from Bolia, and Mayor sofa by Arne Jacobsen and Flemming Lassen for &Tradition. The pared back aesthetic continues through to the bathroom with a minimalist concrete cube and cleverly hidden elements for a purist finish. In contrast, the bedroom’s soft earthy palette and circular curtain creates a meditative, tranquil atmosphere to unwind and encourage restful sleep.