Dr. Funk Holiday House: A Masterclass in Holiday Home Architecture by Kessler Plescher Architekten

Nestled in the serene wilderness near the Baltic Sea coast, the Dr. Funk Holiday House is a stunning example of holiday home architecture designed by Kessler Plescher Architekten. This charming holiday retreat, originally built in 1958, has been skillfully renovated to cater to the modern needs of its owner and their family. The project harmoniously blends the existing structure with contemporary architectural ideas, creating a cozy yet functional space that provides an idyllic getaway from the bustling world.

Location and Concept

The Dr. Funk Holiday House is located near a small lake, surrounded by a dense forest and accessible only through sandy, narrow paths. The site’s seclusion provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful holiday retreat. The renovation’s primary objective was to transform the small and outdated house into a spacious yet compact home that could accommodate family members in various configurations over time.

Design and Layout

One of the most remarkable aspects of this holiday home architecture is the creative redesign of the house's limited 38 square meters. The architects chose to break up the small-scale floor plan to maximize available space and make the house feel more expansive. The layout now accommodates numerous guests while maintaining a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Ground Floor

The ground floor features a separate bedroom, ensuring privacy for the occupants. Serving functions like storage, a cloakroom, a WC, and a shower are carefully incorporated into a built-in unit along the outer walls. At the entrance, this unit extends to the full height of the room, effectively merging functional and aesthetic purposes.

The kitchen is positioned strategically along the perimeter, transitioning into a spacious bench area that offers a breathtaking view of the lake. The large open space in the middle of the house serves as a communal gathering place, where family and friends can socialize and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. A free-standing column, designed to echo the original floor plan, stands proudly in the center of the room.

Upper Floor

An insertion staircase leads up to the second floor, where additional sleeping areas are provided. This thoughtful design ensures that the space can adapt to different family needs and guest numbers, reflecting the flexibility needed in a holiday home.

Material Palette and Colors

The design also incorporates a distinctive material palette. The floors are adorned with large, reddish-brown and pink tiles arranged in a bold, oversized chequerboard pattern. This not only serves to distort the perception of space but also adds a playful element to the interior. Pinewood panels are used for all fixtures, enhancing the natural and earthy vibe of the house.

Bright, neon yellow freestanding furniture contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the wood and tiles. Specially designed kitchen handles in the same vivid color further unify the design, adding an unexpected pop of color.

Exterior and Connection to Nature

The exterior of the Dr. Funk Holiday House integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. The house is carefully positioned to offer sweeping views of the lake, with large windows framing the natural beauty of the site. A terrace extends from the main living area, offering direct access to the outdoors and enhancing the sense of connection between the house and its environment.

The Importance of Green in Holiday Home Architecture

A distinctive feature of the Dr. Funk Holiday House is the use of color in its design. The common areas of the house are painted in light green, creating a sense of expansiveness and openness. This soft color palette helps to blur the boundaries between the interior space and the surrounding landscape, allowing nature to be an integral part of the holiday experience.

In contrast, the bedroom features dark green walls, almost approaching black. This creates an intimate atmosphere and enhances the focus on the lake view, transforming the room into a tranquil sanctuary.

Sustainability and Functionality

While the Dr. Funk Holiday House is a modern renovation, it remains highly functional and environmentally conscious. The natural materials used throughout, such as pinewood and locally sourced tiles, reflect a commitment to sustainability. The design maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and the house’s small size minimizes its environmental footprint.

The Dr. Funk Holiday House is a brilliant example of holiday home architecture that combines tradition, modernity, and functionality. The thoughtful renovation by Kessler Plescher Architekten not only preserves the charm and character of the original 1958 building but also introduces innovative design elements that ensure the space is adaptable, comfortable, and connected to its natural surroundings. This project serves as an inspiration for future holiday home designs, showcasing how thoughtful architecture can create spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

By blending sustainability with style, the Dr. Funk Holiday House offers a unique and luxurious retreat where the built environment and nature coexist harmoniously, offering a truly exceptional experience for its inhabitants.

All photographs are work of Schnepp + Renou