A Neighbourhood Lobby: Denizen House in Berlin by Modiste Studio.

Berlin-based Modiste Studio established a unique ‘third place’ concept with their project, Denizen House, stitching the transitional space between corporate and residential living. Playfully designed as a “members club for non-members”, Denizen House is a bespoke combination of interstitial amenities reflecting lessons from Modernist architecture, Eames, Kreuzberg’s vintage furniture and materials’ textural qualities. Each space offers a quiet comfort often overlooked or underappreciated in public corridors.

Located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg, this 475-square-metre co-working space is operated by the eponymous start-up. The brief was to provide a flexible space that serves as the “lobby for the neighbourhood” and facilitates accessibility to those who work within the building or who live in the area. The resulting space is divided into three distinct zones: Community, Kitchen and Self-care.

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A simple presentation with vintage undertones, each interior serves its characteristic. The Community area uses brown tones through timber joinery and framed partitions, the Kitchen helms in sage, and the Self-care spaces relish the use of light and shadow-play against the backdrop of beige. However, the three areas are intertwined with the likes of a Babushka Doll—with each interior being a reinterpretation of its cousin. Soft curtains can be used as partitions or rectangular wall panelling between the Community and Self-care.

The classic industrial shelving seen in the Café is translated into the structures of the partitions used in the Community space. There is something calmingly beautiful about witnessing them in unison while allowing each zone to have its individuality.

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What appeals to me about Denizen House is the confidence used in minimalism. Each space has a spartan hero—be it a coloured surface, the choice of material or the hero geometry in the Community, Kitchen, and Self-care, respectively. Even the selection of furniture, clean in their lines and form, subtly echoes the geometries connected among the facilities. Though the aesthetic is present, there is a preference for function over form—yet the form (in this case, interior detail) depends on only one choice, catalysing an aesthetically pleasing environment.

There is a sense of harmony in this concept. The awkward transition between online and offline mode is eased with a flexible lobby that allows patrons and habitants to integrate. Due to the lack of urge to overflow a room with details, Modiste carefully considers the nuances. It’s all just right.

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[Images courtesy of Modiste Studio. Photography by Mathilde Karrer.]