Gleimstraße Loft
GRAFT

Photo: Jan Bitter

With the transformation of the rooftop of a typical 19th century building, in one of the new hip areas in Berlin, the architects created an atypical and very personal space.

Beds, benches, sofas, walk in closets, shelves and library are integrated in the wall construction, inviting people to inhabit the forms that usually only surround us.


Photo: Jan Bitter

Living and Working, Openness and Intimacy; Flexibility has become the keyword in contemporary Loft Design. Unless the private areas are opened to the "public" or to private guests, the owner of a Loft lives in a hidden private world. Openness and fluid continuums integrating bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen become possible. Individuality today only depends on the dreams and the courage of the owners.

/GRAFT

Photo: Jan Bitter

Photo: Jan Bitter

Photo: Jan Bitter

The loft was designed as a flexible open space, with the entrance, staircase, bathrooms and storage rooms, hidden in a sculptural mega-form.


Photo: Jan Bitter

Photo: Jan Bitter

In order to integrate the central "sculpture," and connect to the activities of daily life, the architects carved it out, and cut it apart. This generated a playground for numerous possible combinations of protecting, "cave-like," and open, "stage-like," atmospheres.

A number of sliding walls allowed for subdivisions of the flow around the core, with the kitchen acting as the heart of the house. Bedrooms and adjacent bathrooms can be combined to suites.


Photo: Jan Bitter

Photo: Jan Bitter

Photo: Jan Bitter

All surfaces in the kitchen, including furniture, walls, floor and ceiling, as well as all surfaces of the core, are covered with a high quality concrete plaster. All other surfaces by a sophisticated drywall technology.

The north and south facades are closed by a foldable window/door system. Both can be completely opened, extending the space to include the two exterior balconies.

Living in this environment is a balance between an extroverted Gallery atmosphere, and an introverted Studio atmosphere.


Drawing courtesy GRAFT
Floor Plan


Drawing courtesy GRAFT
Room Zones Plan