The Black House

When owners Johanna and Dirk bought a piece of land at the top of a hill in Brandenburg, they knew they wanted a kind of glass-box style cabin that overlooked the meadows and woods. One of the reasons for this, they say, is that Germany has 9 months of winter, meaning you spend more time inside than out. They wanted the space to feel cosy while also connecting you to nature. After sketching something, they asked their favourite architect Thomas Kröger to give them some feedback; instead of giving notes, Kröger decided to take on the project - his first home design - and created the award-winning house that exists today.

The house blends effortlessly into the landscape, giving you the sense you are staying in nature. Inside, it is completely open and light pours in from both sides, but rather than feeling exposed, you feel completely at ease, secure and cosy thanks to the calming black of the floors and ceiling. Every piece of furniture has been chosen with care and is in keeping with the building’s striking-yet-simple aesthetic. The fireplace is specially designed, and we could spend countless nights curled up in front of it with a book and a glass of wine. The only downside to The Black House is that you can’t stay forever.