RPA19 House Transformation: Berlin Home Renovation by VAUST Studio

Introduction to RPA19 House Transformation

The RPA19 House Transformation by VAUST Studio is a masterful example of how contemporary Berlin home renovation can respect historical essence while embracing modern design. Situated in Berlin’s Karlshorst Rheinisches Viertel, this 1920s single-family residence has been reimagined into a refined architectural statement that celebrates memory, materiality, and functionality.

Architectural Vision

VAUST Studio approached the RPA19 project with a vision of subtle transformation. Instead of erasing the past, the architects carefully reorganized the 200-square-meter residence. Walls were removed to merge spaces and create openness, particularly in the kitchen and dining area, while preserving architectural integrity. This balance between tradition and innovation lies at the heart of the project’s success.

Material Expression and Design Logic

Materiality plays a pivotal role in this Berlin house renovation. Natural plaster walls introduce warmth, while restored baseboards and stair railings emphasize historical continuity. The home juxtaposes brushed stainless steel with richly grained elmwood, a dialogue that embodies VAUST Studio’s philosophy of calm tension and architectural poetry.

The Kitchen as the Heart of the Home

The kitchen is conceived as both a central living space and a sculptural installation. A stainless steel island floats on a wooden plinth, creating a striking visual anchor. This monolithic form is balanced by bespoke cabinetry and a recessed sink niche, offering a seamless blend of functionality and artistry.

Custom Furniture and Curated Interiors

Beyond architecture, RPA19 reflects VAUST Studio’s curatorial design approach. Custom-built wardrobes echo the material palette of the kitchen, while collectible furniture pieces enrich the interiors. From FRAMA elements to rare finds like the RM Chair by LS Gomma and the Doodle Stool by Aleksander Oniszh, each piece reinforces the home’s character. Vintage seating by Kazuhide Takahama and VAUST’s own designs further layer the interior with timeless sophistication.

A Dialogue Between Past and Future

RPA19 House Transformation is not a mere renovation but an architectural homage. By respecting the 1920s structure and layering it with modern craftsmanship, VAUST Studio demonstrates how Berlin home renovation can embody continuity, innovation, and cultural resonance. This project redefines the relationship between architecture, memory, and material integrity.

The RPA19 House Transformation by VAUST Studio showcases how thoughtful design can renew historic residences. It exemplifies a new standard for Berlin house renovation, where the future of living is built by refining, not erasing, the past.

All Photographs are works of Clemens Poloczek