Stadthaus Berlin

On a verdant plot in Berlin, a former embassy has been transformed into a contemporary live–work house. The existing structure—clean plastered volumes, large openings, a calm grid—sets the stage for a new cubic addition clad entirely in Nakamoto Forestry Suyaki. The deeply charred yakisugi forms a precise, almost floating accent: a black, tactile skin that absorbs light, reveals the wood’s grain, and lends new depth to the ensemble.

The composition thrives on contrast: white and black, smooth and textured, existing architecture and contemporary intervention. Generous glazing cuts into the façade like picture frames, reflecting the garden’s greenery and opening studio and living areas to the landscape. Beneath the cantilevered volume, sheltered outdoor rooms emerge—an extended workshop in summer, a covered dining space in the evening.

Beyond its sensual surface, Suyaki brings durability: natural longevity, low maintenance, and resilience against weather and urban wear. At the same time, the material welcomes patina—a quiet wabi-sabi that deepens character over time. The result is a house that reconciles past and present: a calm, productive retreat in the city, defined by clear architecture, honest materials, and a strong yet understated gesture of charred cedar.

Yakisugi product used in this project: