Just outside the borders of Berlin, in the picturesque village of Kleinmachnow, a residence has been built that combines the spirit of mid-20th century modernism with the harmony of the surrounding nature. This is the home of Lars Triesch, founder of the Original in Berlin brand, which specializes in vintage furniture and interior designs inspired by modernism. Triesch decided to transfer the atmosphere of Southern California architecture to Germany, drawing on the work of Ray Kappe - one of the most important American architects of the 20th century.
The home of Lars Triesch, founder of Original in Berlin, a brand specializing in vintage furniture and interior designs inspired by modernism
photo by Jürgen Nogai
Inspired by Ray Kappe
Although Kappe passed away in 2019, his ideas found new life in this realization, making the house in Kleinmachnow the first development of his design outside the United States. The residence thus represents a unique meeting of two worlds: Southern California lightness with German precision and the tranquility of a rural landscape. The story of this place tells of passion, fascination with design and consistency in the pursuit of timeless aesthetics.
House in Kleinmachnow - the interior is dominated by wood
photo by Jürgen Nogai
California meets Germany
Lars Triesch's passion for design began in his youth, developed in parallel with his interest in music and contemporary culture. His fascination with California architecture was born while watching the documentary Coast Modern, featuring the designs of Ray Kappe, whose projects combined functionality with open space and proximity to nature. For Triesch, it was an inspiration to create a home in Berlin that reflected the spirit of Southern California modernism. Despite Kappe's death, his architectural concepts became the starting point for a unique design in which American aesthetics meet German landscape and climate.
The Kleinmachnow house-residence thus represents a unique meeting of two worlds: Southern Californian lightness with German precision and the tranquility of a rural landscape
photo by Jürgen Nogai
Architecture and space - subtle boundaries of interior and nature
The residence is distinguished by its open layout, in which the boundaries between the interior and the garden have been subtly blurred. Glazed walls, terraces and strategically placed windows allow daylight to penetrate deep into the house, while maintaining the privacy of the residents. The design is based on natural materials, which, combined with minimalist architectural detailing, create a sense of cohesion and balance.
House in Kleinmachnow - the interior is dominated by wood
photo by Jürgen Nogai
The kitchen and bathroom, designed with functionality in mind, do not lose their modernist character. Carefully selected materials, thoughtful proportions and details make the interiors both durable and aesthetically pleasing in line with the ideas of Southern California design.
House in Kleinmachnow
photo by Jürgen Nogai
Original in Berlin - a place where design comes to life
Lars Triesch's brand, Original in Berlin, played a key role in the development. It specializes in the acquisition, restoration and personalization of modernist-style furniture and interiors. His in-house workshop makes it possible to create custom built-ins, kitchens and other furnishings that retain the vintage character while meeting contemporary utility standards. In the case of the Triesch house, unique elements of mid-20th century design were combined with modern solutions.
The project shows that classic architectural patterns can take a new form, adapted to local conditions
Photo by Jürgen Nogai
Combining tradition and modernity
The Kleinmachnow house is proof that mid-20th century modernism can be adapted in a completely new context without losing its essence. Inspirations from California have been transformed to blend harmoniously with the local landscape, creating a space that is functional and aesthetically coherent. The openness of the interiors, natural light and thoughtful materials make the house function not only as a place to live, but also as an example of educational architecture - inspiring future generations of designers and lovers of modernism.
The house in Kleinmachnow photo by Jürgen Nogai 
Lars Triesch's residence in Berlin is not just a house - it is a meeting of cultures, ideas and styles. The project shows that classic architectural patterns can take a new form, adapted to local conditions, while maintaining their global character. Original in Berlin, with its experience in renovation and custom interior design, enabled Triesch's vision to be realized in a consistent and coherent manner.
