Imagine stepping into your home and feeling the pulsating energy of Berlin’s iconic Berghain nightclub, but with all the warmth and comfort of a cozy living space. Sounds impossible? Think again. This Berlin apartment flips the script on traditional interior design, bringing the raw, industrial vibe of Berghain into a residential setting—and it’s as captivating as it is controversial.
Designed by Studio Karhard, the mastermind behind Berghain’s legendary interiors, this Kreuzberg apartment is a bold experiment in blending the stark, industrial aesthetics of the club with the inviting atmosphere of a home. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a space inspired by one of the world’s most exclusive and intense nightlife destinations truly feel homely? The designers say yes—and the result is a fascinating fusion of opposites.
Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard, the duo behind Studio Karhard, drew on their 2003 experience designing Berghain’s interiors to create a space that’s both familiar and unexpected. ‘The apartment reflects the clear design language and material aesthetics of Berghain, but in a way that feels lived-in,’ they told Dezeen. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about replicating the club’s look; it’s about capturing its mood—the intensity, the mystery, the energy—and translating it into a residential context.
The heart of the apartment is a striking curved glass brick wall that anchors the living space, filtering light between the entrance and lounge area. ‘Glass blocks create a semi-transparent effect, adding depth and intrigue,’ explained Karsten and Erhard. Surrounding this wall is a crimson-red sofa built on a stainless steel base, doubling as a side table—a nod to Berghain’s industrial roots. Translucent petrol green glass coffee tables and a velvety circular rug complete the look, while terrazzo flooring ties everything together with timeless elegance.
But here’s the bold question: Is this too much industrial edge for a home? Some might argue it feels more like a showroom than a sanctuary. Yet, the designers counter that the material choices—stainless steel, brass, and glass—are deliberately collage-like, prioritizing texture and atmosphere over uniformity. Even the kitchen and dining area feature a glass brick wall and floor-to-ceiling stainless steel cabinetry, emphasizing a functional, industrial aesthetic.
Not every space is bathed in light, though. True to the nightclub inspiration, some areas are deliberately dark and intimate. The all-metal powder room, for instance, features a gridded ceiling and brutalist-style sink, illuminated only by thin strip lighting. And this is where it gets playful: Karsten and Erhard initially considered adding a smoke machine as a nod to nightlife, but practicality won out. ‘A fog machine requires constant maintenance,’ they admitted—a reminder that even the most creative ideas have limits.
The bedroom and study continue the immersive experience, with matte black walls and charcoal bedding creating a cocoon-like retreat. Even the bathroom pushes boundaries, with a gleaming black tub accented by built-in yellow lights—a space that feels both luxurious and otherworldly. The glass brick wall from the living area doubles as one of the bathroom’s walls, blurring the lines between public and private spaces.
Studio Karhard’s work has always been about evoking emotion through design, whether it’s euphoria in clubs or calm in healthcare settings. ‘We focus on mood elements like acoustics and light, as they shape the emotional character of a room,’ said Karsten and Erhard. But here’s the thought-provoking question: Does this apartment truly appeal to the subconscious, or does it feel too calculated? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Photography by Robert Rieger captures the apartment’s unique blend of industrial edge and homely warmth, leaving us to wonder: Could this be the future of residential design, or is it a one-of-a-kind experiment? Let us know what you think—agree or disagree, we’re all ears.
