TOWNHOUSE B14 BY XTH-BERLIN

A townhome that takes sunlight and space very seriously

German architecture firm XTH-berlin has fully embraced the importance of space and light with Townhouse B14. Located in Berlin, the townhouse sits on a small lot facing the plain of the Berlin Wall Memorial. The sober façade, characteristic of former East Berlin, hides a completely open and continuous interior that stretches throughout the building’s 12-meter height as well as the entire length and width. Two slanted concrete slabs are suspended between the firewalls and serve to divide the space while allowing for views throughout the entire house.

Other than the private bedrooms that are contained within the concrete elements, the house is entirely open. The inside is composed of a few select materials that are light-colored and minimal. Light woods and concrete dominate the structure, while the glazed glass façade lets in ample natural light. A massive rooftop skylight also lets light flood through the house from the top down. An external fringe serves to protect the family’s intimacy and filter light when needed.

The house is heated using a heat pump with panel heating and rainwater collection tanks in the garden serve for the toilets.

Our favorite aspect? The giant elevating flaps which, aside from being the slide/drawbridge of your wildest childhood dreams, provide a point of entry and built-in ventilation for the sleeping spaces!