CAMA A

The weekend house on Lake Ziestsee, designed by Berlin architect Marc Hensel, combines the historical roots of the original building with contemporary ideas. Next to the white main house—restored to its original simplicity—the new wooden-clad extension stands out with its clear, vertical structure. With its striking façade and height of six meters, it contrasts with the old building while calmly integrating itself alongside it. The ensemble also blends effortlessly into the wooded surroundings, creating a gentle connection between architecture and landscape.

A functional, minimalist aesthetic defines the interior of the house. The light wood tones of the staircase, built-in cabinets, and floors lend the rooms warmth. This material choice contributes to the home's calm and natural atmosphere, reinforcing its connection to the surrounding nature. The large window openings are also notable—they allow generous daylight to enter, open up views of the surrounding landscape, and create a seamless link between indoors and outdoors.

Carefully selected by Julia, the furniture and accessories in both parts of the house contribute to a serene ambiance. The kitchen, with its white cabinetry and simple lines, is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing, while the living area feels bright and inviting. Many details—such as the minimalist door handles or the iron downspouts—reveal the residents' refined sense of harmony.

Stepping from the living room onto the garden terrace, one discovers—modestly clad in wood and unobtrusive at first glance—a charming outbuilding housing a sauna and outdoor shower. Its clear design, using untreated light wood, also creates a calming atmosphere here—for residents and guests alike—who may warm up in the protected interior or cool off beside the tall pine that rises within the outdoor shower.

With this weekend retreat, Marc Hensel demonstrates how modern architecture can engage with historical structures in a sensitive and respectful way. The extension and the annex with sauna and outdoor shower are not merely functional additions, but also aesthetic enhancements that contribute to the overall harmony of the property. This is a place where past and present, nature and humanity converge—and where the soul can truly unwind.