Haus Blumenthal

“A house built from rubble?” you might ask, standing here before Haus Blumenthal. Yes, you heard that right. This architectural gem, nestled in Berlin’s Hansaviertel, has a story as unique as its design. Haus Blumenthal, built in 1958-1959 for ophthalmologist Georg Blumenthal, rose from the ashes of war. The concrete walls whisper tales of resilience, partially constructed from the rubble of buildings destroyed during World War II. Originally, three two-story single-family homes were planned for this plot by architect Josef Lehmbrock. However, these plans never materialized. Instead, architects Klaus Kirsten and Heinz Nather stepped in, crafting a light, airy home, integrated with Dr. Blumenthal’s practice. Haus Blumenthal wasn’t initially part of the official Interbau 1957 exhibition. But its innovative design, approved by Otto Bartning and the Interbau committee, later earned it a place in the exhibition’s legacy and Berlin’s Denkmallist. Imagine the house in its early days, its ground floor opening like a fan towards the garden, embracing the outdoors. A large terrace on the upper floor provided an additional space for the family to enjoy the fresh air. The architects, Kirsten and Nather, chose materials typical of the 1950s and 60s: brick, exposed concrete. These were later covered with stucco. Over time, Haus Blumenthal underwent several renovations and even experienced a period of vacancy. In 2001 it was converted into a spacious residential building. This transformation significantly altered the street facade, enclosed the garden room windows, and restructured the entrance hall and staircase. By 2011, Haus Blumenthal was ready for another chapter. A young family with two children purchased the property. They commissioned wiewiorra hopp architekten to revitalize the house. The firm embarked on a careful restoration, stripping back many of the later additions. Imagine seeing the house during this process, resembling its original form from 1959. The 2012 renovation sought to preserve the original design while incorporating contemporary elements. The street facade, pergola, and light strips were reopened, restoring the original light and airy ambiance. Inside, the ground floor was redesigned around a central living space, flanked by three distinct areas: an oak library, an aluminum kitchen, and a garden lounge with green leather. The heart of the space featured a colorful seating area and an amorphous dining table. The upper floor housed bathrooms and dressing rooms within uniquely clad structures, while the central staircase, transformed into an art piece by Maria Hinze and Maik Teriete, became a focal point, guiding visitors through the house. Haus Blumenthal stands as a testament to its own history, a blend of original vision and modern interpretation. Its journey reflects the resilience of Berlin itself, a city constantly evolving, yet always mindful of its past.