The Green Box by Ester Bruzkus Architekten: A Harmonious Blend of Color, Texture, and Space

A Bold Approach to Modern Interior Design in Berlin

Designed by Ester Bruzkus Architekten, The Green Box is a striking example of how color, materiality, and spatial planning can transform a raw, industrial space into a warm, inviting home. Located in Berlin, Germany, this 120 m² penthouse balances minimalist aesthetics with bold design choices, using a central millwork box as the heart of the layout.

A Play of Contrast: Cool Concrete Meets Warm Tones

Before its transformation, the apartment featured floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, with exposed concrete walls defining the space. Instead of compartmentalizing the open-plan layout, the architects introduced a deep green lacquered box that functions as a spatial divider—creating dynamic rooms around it rather than enclosing them. This design choice allows for fluid movement, maximizing both natural light and spatial continuity.

The material palette plays with contrasts:

• Cool industrial elements, such as raw concrete walls and ceilings, retain the apartment’s modernist appeal.
• Warm accents, including gold, violet, and brown tones, add depth and a cozy atmosphere.
• High-end natural materials, like wood, textiles, and stone, enhance the tactile experience of the space.

Sustainable, Thoughtful Living for a Modern Lifestyle

Designed for a Berlin-based vegan couple, the apartment embodies principles of sustainable living and intentional design. Custom millwork, precise light planning by PSLab Stuttgart, and handcrafted carpentry by Farmer Int. Berlin ensure a seamless integration of form and function.

Key Design Features

• Central Millwork Box: A multifunctional core that defines spaces without rigid partitions.
• Material Contrast: A sophisticated mix of natural and industrial textures.
• Custom Lighting & Fixtures: Featuring GIRA E2 switches, Frama lighting, and Vola hardware for a refined finish.
• Smart Spatial Planning: Enhancing openness while maintaining distinct functional areas.

A Contemporary Sanctuary in the Heart of Berlin

With The Green Box, Ester Bruzkus Architekten redefines modern urban living, blending bold aesthetics, sustainable materials, and smart space utilization. The result is a sophisticated yet inviting home that embraces both contrast and harmony, offering an inspiring model for contemporary interior design.

All Photographs are works of Robert Rieger