Ever stop to consider the homes of architects? Here at Podbielskiallee 81 stands Haus Fürstenau. It is a testament to the vision of its creator Eduard Fürstenau.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable building. Haus Fürstenau is more than just a house. It is a piece of architectural history. Eduard Fürstenau designed it as his own residence in 1906. He was also the architect behind the Luisenstift and the Geheimes Staatsarchiv.
Haus Fürstenau is among the oldest surviving structures in the Villenkolonie Dahlem. Back then it was hailed as a “pioneer of the place” because of its architectural sophistication. People considered it “the first of its kind.”
Eduard Fürstenau was indeed a notable figure. He was born in Marburg in 1862 and died in Berlin in 1938. Fürstenau was a respected architect and construction official in Prussia. His architectural journey began at the Technische Hochschule Charlottenburg. He excelled and passed his state exams with honors. His talent was evident early on. He won a Schinkel Prize in 1887 for his design of an art academy. That same year, he received the Great Academic State Prize for a museum design. This award included a stipend for a study trip to Italy and the Orient.
Returning to Berlin, Fürstenau entered Prussian state service in 1890. He eventually led the Technical Bureau of the High Construction Department. This was within the Prussian Ministry of Public Works. He became a member of the Prussian Academy of Construction in 1916. Fürstenau retired in 1927.
Now look closely at Haus Fürstenau. Notice the two-story structure with its high pitched roof. The gable faces the street giving it a striking presence. The building’s design combines Renaissance and country house elements. A polygonal turret with a copper dome emphasizes the street front. A round-arched entrance marks the house entry. Originally, there was an arched loggia above the entrance. Half-timbering in the gable and casement windows add to the building’s charm.
The garden side mirrors the front. It features a corner turret and a winter garden with a steep garden staircase. The interior is remarkably well-preserved. It features original fixtures from the construction period. A two-story hall connects the ground and upper floors.
Inside, a seating area occupies the bay. The upper floor has a loggia. A large living room and kitchen are off the hall on the ground floor. The dining room is accessible only through the living room. The basement has an unusual feature. There is a children’s playroom next to the servants’ quarters. This was a common feature in large Dahlem houses. The family rooms, a maid’s room, and guest rooms occupied the upper floors.
Eduard Fürstenau left a significant mark on Berlin’s architecture. Besides Haus Fürstenau, he designed the Strafgericht in Charlottenburg and the Preussisches Oberverwaltungsgericht. His legacy includes synagogues in Dortmund and Bielefeld.
Haus Fürstenau stands as a testament to his vision. It bridges villa and country house styles. The building exemplifies architectural innovation. It also reflects the artistic trends of its time. As you stand before this house consider the architect’s intent. Think about the blend of styles and the enduring legacy of Eduard Fürstenau.