Completed in 2015, House M5/2 sits above Lake Starnberg in the Bavarian town of Berg. Designed by Beer Bembé Dellinger Architekten, this private residence combines oak and concrete in a series of minimalist, interlocking volumes. A linear load-bearing structure defines the architecture and organizes the interior spaces in a quiet, sequential flow. The sense of seclusion is heightened by mature trees and a semisubterranean garden level.
When approached from a distance, the house is barely visible—its flat silhouette blends into the surrounding garden. A calm rhythm of exposed concrete squares stretches across the site, echoing the formality of a passage. The house occupies a wooded plot above the lake, positioned slightly uphill to capture expansive views.
With 800 square meters of living space, the residence includes a separate guesthouse. From nearby, the building’s two levels become evident: a partially sunken garden level with sleeping and working quarters, and an upper floor divided into two distinct volumes—one for the main residence, the other for guests. A shared terrace connects the two wings, and a curving underground garage provides direct access to both.
Minimalism meets Warmth
Inside, the architecture remains true to the building’s reductive exterior. Exposed concrete frames are infilled with oak paneling, creating a dialogue between structure and material. A long, open living area can be subdivided with sliding wooden panels to suit changing needs.
The restrained palette allows natural materials to take center stage: pale oak floors and ceilings, light beige linen curtains, and massive concrete columns. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the interior to the landscape beyond. Every piece of furniture is tailored to the architecture—from the extended wooden kitchen island to the sculptural solid-oak dining table.
The project has received multiple awards, including a 2019 BDA Prize in the Housing category. The jury described it as “at once modest and bold.” The same can be said of the hardware: the FSB 1075 round-bar model was selected for both doors and windows. Its gently curved silhouette and understated form reflect the quiet elegance of the house. Used here for both windows and doors, the handle becomes an integral part of the architectural whole.
