Triesch Residence, Kleinmachnow
Kappe Architects

Furniture collector and mid-century enthusiast Lars Triesch initiated the project after contacting Kappe in 2017. Despite his advanced age, the architect agreed. A suitable plot was eventually found in Kleinmachnow—an area steeped in modernist tradition, where flat roofs are part of the urban identity. The setting allowed Kappe’s principles to flourish: openness, horizontality, and integration with nature.

The resulting house offers 370 square meters of living space, organized across two levels and anchored by two concrete pylons. Laminated timber beams and deep roof overhangs define the architecture. Glass façades open the interiors to the garden and light, while a central atrium and clerestory skylight bring sun deep into the plan. 

The material palette centers on Californian redwood and bronze—both chosen for their warm hues and weathering character. Over time, the bronze fittings and wooden surfaces develop a patina that deepens their texture and expressiveness. Each material responds uniquely to climate and use, giving the house a dynamic identity.

The interiors feature custom-designed furniture based on originals from Kappe’s Los Angeles home. Triesch reproduced several pieces for his own gallery and later brought them into broader production. In this way, the house is not just inspired by Kappe’s legacy—it actively contributes to it.

For doors and windows, the project uses FSB 1267—based on a design by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Its form, materiality, and tactile precision harmonize perfectly with the house’s refined yet relaxed architectural character. Made of bronze, the handles acquire a natural patina that mirrors the redwood’s aging process.

In the interplay of surface, color, and touch, the handle extends the architectural language into the realm of the every day. It becomes a fitting detail in a home that bridges continents, legacies, and design philosophies.