Awesome: The Sheats-Goldstein Residence at night*

Since the 90s TV-Series “Beverly Hills, 90210”, one knows that this address is one of the most elegant ones in California. In this top quality location the Hollywood stars are next-door neighbors. Here lives the US-American real estate mogul James Goldstein, an eccentric fashion- and basketball enthusiast, who sits in the first row of every international fashion show and whose best friends are the top players of the NBA-League; a secret monger when it’s about his age or how he made his money. In the hills of Benedict Canyon, the cosmopolitan lives in a puristic villa with concrete triangles, steel beam and glass rhombus and overlooks Los Angeles from here, on good days even to the Pacific. 1963, on behalf of the couple Helen and Paul Sheat, the house was built by the architect John Lautner, until Goldstein acquired it in the 70s and, since then, continuously reconstructed.

Stunning view from the pool terrace to Los Angeles, on the horizon, the skyscrapers of downtown

The living room with a breathtaking view of Los Angeles*

The most beautiful tennis court of Los Angeles: let’s take a pic!

James Goldstein, expert for fashion, architecture and basketball

MyStylery: Jim, is your neighbor Rupert Murdoch actually still speaking to you? You buy off the whole region successively and expect the residents to put up with continual construction sites and the associated background noises.
James Goldstein (laughs): True! I’m not really making myself pleasant. The new project – Club James – is nearly done. Then it will be quite relaxed again. And also, after all these years I’ve never really seen Rupert Murdoch anyway.
MS: To build the new grounds, you took down the house which stood on there. Now there is a new construction with guest rooms and a nightclub, above all a tennis court. Why the private nightclub?
JG: There are no good clubs in LA, so I needed my own one. And the first parties where well received by my guests like Quentin Tarantino or Karolina Kurkova.

Five years ago still under construction: Nightclub James

Infront of the glazed bedroom with it’s completly opened windows, there is an outside whirlpool

MS: Why would one buy a house which is constantly in renovation?
JG: I love changes. The actual reason for buying the house was my afghan dog Natasha, the love of my life. These dogs love to run. Therefore I needed more space. So I thought this house would be the ideal. Also I’ve always been a big fan of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wrights, who is from Wisconsin just like me. Coincidentally I was able to buy this house in 1972 and showed it John Lautner, one of Wrights’ pupils. He was shocked about the conditions and what the former owner had changed. They nearly destroyed the house, as they painted the concrete roof green and yellow. This is how our 15-year collaboration started, in which we transferred inside and outside of the house into its original condition, until John died. Now I work together with Duncan Nicholson.

Kitchen and counter were also designed by designer-legend John Lautner

MS: In the kitchen, the dining room and bathrooms one can now retract the sealing electronically, in the entrance hall there is a koi pond including a water fountain, the windows of your bedroom can be retracted as well… All this sounds pretty elaborate and expensive.
JG: Still there had never been a budget. It should always be realized, what is best for the house. This also applies to the new nightclub.
MS: Three Angels for Charly and The Big Lebowski – your house already served many film productions as a setting…
JG: … and Snoop Dogg got his music video produced here. Yes, this gave me a kick. I don’t open the house due to monetary reasons. I just want to have fun.  BvH

The dining room with a concrete and glass table and chrome leather chairs designed by John Lautner

James Goldstein in front of the stairs leading down to his private bedroom

Designer fashion is part of the lifestyle of James Goldstein. He knows all the top designers in person

Never without headgear: Part of the hat collection of James Goldstein

Room with a view: Watching L.A. downtown from the daybed

James with his VIP friends: fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld and model-icon Kate Moss

James’ retreat to relax and to chill

So cool!

Also the fireplace is made of concrete, beside an African sculpture

James Goldstein and the stars … everywhere in the house are framed photographs of James and his famous friends

The fashion-king and I

James Goldstein and me

The property is surrounded by exotic plants

Jim’s car collection includes a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud convertible from the 60s …

… and a Cadilliac from the 60s

Featured pic and photos marked* © ARTJOCKS

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View to the harbor and Sandtorkai, in the background the new concert hall Elbphilharmonie

Who would have thought! The new Hamburg concert hall Elbphilharmonie is completed! Just two months before its official opening, visitors can now explore the Plaza platform at a height of 37 meters. The new landmark of the Hanseatic City in the middle of the HafenCity is a brilliant architecture and I must say that this monumental pearl has filled me with a certain pride. 

A must for all architecture lovers

Elbe and Elbphilharmonie: So cool!

The Marco Polo terrace

No Hamburgers would probably ever come to this idea, to visit the Hafencity because for its architecture – the so vaunted HafenCity has evolved primarily into a tourist playground. But now since the Hamburg concert hall “Elbphilharmonie” is finished – the new and super expensive opera house of the architects Herzog & de Meuron – the Hamburgers probably might channge their minds.

A now common sight: The “Elbphilharmonie” – the most expensive concert hall ever with construction cranes a few months ago

Hamburg my pearl, you wonderful town

Dalmannkai on corner Großer Grasbrook

I think a visit to the HafenCity is a must for all architecture fans. This is where luxury apartments in partial futuristic architecture, such as the Marco Polo Tower can be found.

The Marco Polo Tower: As always in life, everything is a matter of taste. I like the blossoming cherry tree in front of the tower

One can say that the star architects truly put all their effort in, which is especially nice to see from the waterfront. There is a five-star hotel, a university, restaurants, numerous residential and office spaces.

Award winning architecture: HafenCity Hamburg

Hamburg’s HafenCity is one of the biggest urban development projects; a new district emerged in the former Freeport, which will double the population of the city.

The  Marco Polo terrace

The construction progress should be completed in 2025. Until then, a lot of water will flow down the river Elbe and one can be excited. What sounds so far, is less than one kilometer away from the City Hall, and is situated in the centre of the Hanseatic city. A nice walk – including “Speicherstadt” and the new, fantastic concert hall Elbphilharmonie. BvH

A lot of water will flow down

Skyscraper: Am Kaiserkai

Info Hafencity Hamburg:

www.hafencity.com

Info Elbphilharmonie:

www.elbphilharmonie.de

Merken

Merken

Merken

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The redstone villa in Fontenay-sous-Bois with it’s black slate roof. Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Her French is accent-free and her classic elegance typical Parisienne: Katharina Schmitter came as au pair to France, studied History of Art and Textile Design in Paris. There the Munich-raised designer lives since 27 years, works for Hermès and Boussac, before she came into charge of the design of the Ardecora-Collection by the German fabric producers Zimmer und Rohde. Luxury Hotels like the Costes are stocked with her creations. Eleven years ago she moved in a romantic, 110 years old turn of the century-villa in Fontenay-sous Bois on the outskirts of the French capital, hidden behind walls clad in ivy and a high, squeak gate where she still lives with her family.

It’s always good to have a friend in Paris… Here the entry shows the original a hundred years old floor tiles

Textile designer Katharina Schmitter – as beautiful as her designs

MyStylery: Your house could have been served as a set for the movie „Amélie“…
Katharina Schmitter: Indeed! It was love at first sight when I found the house in an advert. It’s important to me that the children grew up in a green environment rather than in an effervescent city centre.
MS: Isn’t it a great temptation to put up new curtains in your house for every season? I mean as a textile designer you’re close to the source…
KS: No, quite the reserve in fact: at first I didn’t want to have any of my collections in my house. I thought I would need some space. But then my family convinced me and on the contrary they’re hanging now.

Livingroom and library

Katharina designed the curtain fabric for her Ardecora-Collection for Zimmer and Rohde

MS: Besides the decorative part, do textiles not also convey a feeling of comfort and warmth?
KS: Not necessarily. There are textiles that should create the opposite. They radiate a cool elegance. But this isn’t me. I’m not interested in industrial manufacturing or smooth surfaces. There are so many cold and unstructured things that surround us already.
MS: Your textiles remind of a homage of magnificent, times long past…
KS: Yes they’re very precious and extraordinary, handcrafted after old traditions. Hereby the whole thing gets its liveliness and emotion. My textiles are mainly such dominant as they could get in concurrence to pictures.

Fabric samples of the Mulberry collection

Lying sculpture in the library

The Buddha sculptures are from Asia

MS: Does that mean that one should rather abandon art, if one decides for your textiles?
KS: The question lies in the focus. Where is the creative focus in the apartment? There’s no need for opulent curtains if there are great paintings and art on the wall, which dominate the room already.

To Katharina Schmitter decorative light is important. How beautiful is the reflecting chandelier in the mirror…

MS: Are you thinking of sales figures while working on your new collection?
KS: My textiles suit best in big old houses that have a patina. That’s what I’ve got in my eyes when I’m working. It’s all about luxury and quality and also about the “special something” that didn’t exist before, but is still requested by the costumer.

Fabrics from Africa become a wall decoration

MS: Your dressing room is literally bursting at the seams – how many dresses and pairs of shoes do you have?
KS: Many! Too many! Textiles attract me, in every respect. Dresses and shoes are my passion. And that’s why I always need more space although I already get rid of things sometimes – that’s a question of the right moment though. However my absolute “shrine” is the handwritten cookbook of my mother that contains all my favourite German recipes back from my childhood. It’s my favourite memento.  BvH

Katharina bought the portrait of a girl in an auction

Antique chandelier from the south of France

Small remise in the garden. How romantic is this?

Sundowner in the garden with the family

The fantastic world of Katharina Schmitter

Cheers – Santé! Champagne is always a good idea!

The covered entry with wrought iron details

The fine, brocated details are very typical for the Gründerzeit

Still life with bike – the black entrance in the background

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Star architect Matteo Thun and I at the design fair Salone del Mobile in Milan

His designs are well known, you’ve experienced them already – of that I’m sure – because you’ve either sat or slept on them: Designer Matteo Thun and his designs are global and award wining: Hotels like the Side-Hotel in Hamburg and the Marriot in Venice, china for Rosenthal and Alessi, watches for Bulgari and Swatch. Thun was a student of Oskar Kokoschka, is graduated doctor of architecture, has been a founder of Sottsass Associati in 1981 and also of the legendary design-group Memphis. In 1984 he has started his company Thun & Partner for architectural-, design-, and communication-projects. Matteo Thun lives in Milano, where I have met with him, in the course of the design fair Salone del Mobile, for an interview.

Matteo Thun defines himself in his work by eco non ego – eco instead of ego

MyStylery: At the Salone del Mobile 2016 the apparent trend was wood namely in all living areas, from the kitchen to the bathroom. How do you explain the revival of the material?
Matteo Thun: Wood is a reaction to the inanimated period of the 90s, where minimalistic design got colder and colder and emotions vanished from the surface. Now we have a change of paradigm: During the last century concrete and cement were dominating. Now we have the century of wood. I am an architect and I believe me, it is much easier constructing things with wood than with cement.

Walnut table ‘Icon’ from Riva1920. Design by Matteo Thun

MS: You have just designed the wooden table ‘Icon’ for the the Italian furniture brand Riva 1920. Where did the collaboration result from?
MT: I’ve worked with wood and also with Riva for a long time now, because it’s the only company nearby Milan that works with solid wood and not laminated wood. That complies with my credo: The truth and not the lie.
MS: What is the most important project you’re working on right now?
MT: The system “Welcome Homes” refugee centers that are being deployed Germany-wide. We have deliberately opted for wood. There is no alternative if you want to build fast and inexpensively. In this case emotions didn’t play a part, it’s just plainly and simply the factor time.

“I am an architect and I believe me, it is much easier constructing things with wood than with cement.”

MS: Which design collaboration would you reject?
MT: Everything around the car and everything that has to do with garments – that’s nothing for me.
MS: Is there something you haven’t conceptualized yet but would like to build?
MT: I would like to build a church without a roof for Pope Frances, as a gift for a man, who has changed Rome and therefore hopefully our beautiful country and our society.
MS: Where will the church be?
MT: Wherever he wants.
MS: Is he already aware of it?
MT (laughs): No, not yet.

“The ‘Welcome Homes’ is a system for refugee centers”, Matteo Thun explains to me. “We build new houses for new arrivals. They can also be used for social housing.”

MS: What is your current project?
MT: We’re 80 employees solely in Milano and just as much at the construction sites and we have many of them (laughs). The best project currently however is our digital platform ‘Matteo Thun Atelier’. I would like to invite you to visit this platform and you will realize that you’re a designer. You can create everything your house needs by yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s a table or a chair. You don’t need a designer. I am convinced that the future belongs to Losgröße* eins (lot size one) …
MS: What does that mean?
MT: That means that you can put together the chair you want yourself.
MS: Without any previous knowledge?
MT: Without any previous knowledge. We are all designers. Democracy has won. Take the Nike shoe as an example. You can create the shoe you want. That is unique and not even more expensive. And that’s exactly what we are trying to do with this platform, especially for our hotels. Every interior designer can create whatever they need for their project, with our specification. We have finally made design accessible for everyone.
MS: But didn’t you exclude yourself with this process?
MT (laughs): I am already excluded. Since the 90s I don’t sign any of my projects with my name anymore. From time to time it may leak through that I am responsible for it but I don’t emphasize on generating value with my name. The value stands for itself. It is your vision and something you want. BvH

“With ‘Matteo Thun Atelier’ we have actually carried design to the grave.”

Info:

*With a lot size you denote the quantity of products of a production order

Contact Matteo Thun:

www.matteothun.com

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Insights into the Stahl House in Los Angeles

Two years ago I had the unique experience to leave my Berlin life behind and move to Los Angeles for the duration of six months. An amazing chance and I tried to make the best of it: For example, the frame and first contents for MySylery were developed there. California – especially Palm Springs – is an Eldorado for architecture enthusiasts. But L.A. has a lot to offer as well architectural wise. I don’t necessarily mean the multi-million dollar villas in Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Anyone who comes to the City of Angels should absolutely include the Stahl House (also known as Case Study House no.22) into their sightseeing program.

The bluest sky in competition with the turquoise pool

Named after it’s owner, former American Football Player C. H. “Buck” Stahl, American architect Pierre Koenig designed a modern glass construction in 1959, which by all means – if one doesn’t know any better – could also pass as a current design. Large-scale glazing as well as the use of industrial material such as steel are nothing spectacular in the minimalistic architecture nowadays – but in the 1950s it was an absolute first. Till this day the Stahl House is still in possession of the Stahl family.

Wow, what a view! On the right the Skyline of Santa Monica

The drive alone to this impressive iconic building is a highlight for itself: From Sunset Boulevard you have to drive up the partially narrow and steep streets into the Hollywood Hills. As a driver I’m constantly hoping that as little cars as possible are coming my way. From up here you have a full view over Los Angeles. When the view is good – without smog or fog – you can see the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles on the left hand and on the other side the Pacific Ocean at the horizon. What a truly stunning view!

View to the horizon

The Stahl House is not only exceptionally situated. What is mostly not possible with other ‘case study’ houses: you can also have a tour of the inside. Melissa Stahl, a friendly woman in her late-forties welcomes me and the other tour members while conducting the small car-convoy onto the restricted parking area. The mother of three and wife of one of the Stahl sons very personally narrates the experiences of her husband, who has spent his childhood here. The construction of the building then cost 35.000 US dollars. Today there are buying offers of over 15 million dollars. But the Stahl’s don’t even think about selling this incredible piece of architecture. Even though none of them lives here and the preservation of the building is connected with a lot of work and money.

Clare and I have decided: we move here!

In the late nineties the landmarked building has been extensively renovated and today it is furnished with modern design classics. How Melissa’s parents-in-law have lived here is largely only documented on the framed family photos. The kitchen however is – beside the fridge – still maintained in its originality. And the guest-toilette, a transcendence of the taste of the 70s: brown-orange flowered retro wallpapers, flowery Pril-stickers on the tiles, behind the toilette a green fluffy carpet sticking on the wall. This little imperfection is everything but design-award-worthy, therefore much more authentic. After all, there have been real people living in this monument. BvH

I was a bit queasy when I look down the steep slope. The L-shaped building has been built on a hill which had seemed not useable for construction

MyStylery’s Tip:

Book your online tickets for a tour through the Stahl-House before your stay in L.A., the tours are restricted to 25 people max and extremely popular. Tickets from 35 US Dollar. By the way, the Stahl House will be closed from May 26th to June 5th 2016

The entrance

The south wing is completely glazed from the floor to the steel roof and offers an incredible view over the city from each room. The original simple glazing slightly broke and was later replaced with break-proof glass

The kitchen however is still maintained in its originality – beside the fridge

Since 1999, the Stahl House is a listed building …

… and has been decorated with designer furniture such as the dining table by Warren Platner

In 1960, Arts and Architecture, a magazine for experimental residential living, included the Stahl House into the ‘Case Study Houses Program’

I don’t know what attracts me more? The gorgeous vase or the wow-view behind …

The open stone fireplace separates the living and dining area

One of two bedrooms. On the bedside table a photograph of the owner Buck Stahl, who enjoyed from here a panoramic view …

… to the pool and the city of L.A.

Sure, that an Eames Lounge Chair may not be missing in the Stahl House

Anyone wanting to go inside has to take off his shoes!

Buck Stahl, the owner already acquired the property in 1954 and built terraces in the following years to prepare it for the construction …

… Until his meeting with Pierre Koenig he handcrafted many models for his house

After nine months, in June 1960, the constructions ended. With this house Koenig tried to show, that industrial materials such as steel were suitable for residential buildings. Adventurous are the unsecured hillsides – something the building authorities would surely not approve today

I could sit here for hours and enjoy the unique view over Los Angeles

The house also served as a production location for movie- and photoshoots …

… for example detective Colombo alias Peter Falk investigated here and Leonardo DiCaprio fled here as an alleged pilot in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)

The Stahl House, still in private possession of the Stahl family, has been awarded numerous times and is included in many lists of significant architecture. Among others: „America’s Favorite Architecture “ and „The best houses of all time in L.A. “

Contact:

www.stahlhouse.com

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IBIZA LOVE Part XII

Ksar Living specialized itself on antique construction elements and materials that are integrated in the respective projects, such as old Moroccan doors

I am a real fan of Interior and nothing is more beautiful than setting up living spaces and decorating. Except writing perhaps. And who hasn’t had the dream: Designing a Finca in Ibiza or a house in another place in the world according to own ideas. Sometimes you need support for the planning and implementation of such projects and in Ibiza there is a truly great team of experts in terms of Interior: the designer of Ksar Living.

Cool – but not cold: a stone bathtub in a bathroom with a concrete look

For 12 years, the interior designer and architect Alberto Cortés Artero and his team offer an all-inclusive service – including landscaping. The former fashion designer discovered years ago his secret love – interior design – and aranges, since then, private houses, boutique hotels such as ‘The Giri Residence’ in San Juan, and restaurants around the globe. Preferably with an Asian-Moroccan touch.

In my opinion pillows are not only a nice decoration, they are a must

A trip to the huge Ksar-showroom on road 733 to San Juan is in any case worth the time, even if you don’t own a Finca on the island. The Ksar inspires and you get great animations. Anyone who wants to can take one of the selected home accessories, that Alberto Cortés Artero has collected from all around the world, home: The own four walls can have a new look and I can have a nice memory of Ibiza. BvH

I’m in love with the turquoise glass lamp base. Wrap it up, please!

Such a Balinese daybed in the garden would be something, wouldn’t it?

There is always a place for these beautiful ceramics*

Ksar Living also offers textiles such as old carpets

Project in Ibiza*

The boutique hotel ‘The Giri Residence’ in the north of Ibizas was designed by Ksar Living*

Giri-Lobby with a fire place – how cosy!*

Ksar also develops tailor-made furniture with individual designs. This could be my own kitchen!*

Contact:
Ksar Living
Ctra. De Dan Juan, km 11,6
07812 San Lorenzo de Balafia
Ibiza, Spain

www.ksarliving.com

Featured pic by Ana Lui for White Ibiza
*pics by Ksar Living

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“DDR limited”: The distinctive life and style of East Berlin’s grand former socialist boulevard, the Karl-Marx-Allee and where it originates, the Strausberger Platz. Gestalten Verlag, Hardcover, 176 pages, 29,90 Euro Photo: Central Berlin, DDR Limited”, ©Skjerven

This book is a journey for all architecture fans and devoted to the buildings of the Karl-Marx-Allee and thus the most monumental construction project of the former GDR. Fascinating and great: “DDR limited” also includes some sentimental sensitives: The Norwegian scent expert Sissel Tolaas appeals to the senses of smell and takes the reader through impregnated pages to the smell of Berlin from then and now.

Instead of the austere Bauhaus tradition, the architects kept to the socialist classicism which also coined the Moscow skyline. Here the “Mocha Milk Bar”, Karl-Marx-Allee 35. Photo: Central Berlin, “DDR limited”, ©Skjerven

As a “showcase of socialism”, the Stalin Allee has been designed between 1952 and 1958 on the Soviet model to become the architectural symbol of the workers ‘and peasants’ state. With the in 1961 renamed Karl-Marx-Allee, the SED clarified the Stalin Allee to an extensive Sovietization of Berlin, which did not stop – even after urban development. The avenue with its broad green stripes, is framed by striking seven to nine-story residential and office buildings and was a representative march-past and parade route to the socialist Berlin.

The “Interflor” flower shop at Karl-Marx-Allee 32. Photo: “DDR limited”, ©Skjerven

In addition to the historical photographs of the book, “DDR limited” also presents the interior and living concepts of the present inhabitants. Although most homes are only equipped with two or three rooms, it becomes clear that the classics of DDR designs combine with Western counterparts and the current furniture matches. In fact, the architecture around the Strausberger Platz today appears modern and aesthetically – if one disregards the ideological aspect of the builders – making it one of the sought-after residential areas of Berlin. BvH

One of the both tower houses at the Frankfurter Tor – which was meant as a tribute to the Domkuppeln on Gendarmenmarkt – with its 30-meter high columns dome, there is an exclusive townhouse on three floors of 40 square meters each. The domed hall is twelve meters high and has a balcony, wrapped around the building, from which you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Berlin. Photo: “DDR limited”, ©Skjerven

“DDR limited” is an inspiring Coffee Table Book of the art directors André Wyst and Stephan Schilgen with photos by Jens Bösenberg. This pic shows a Schicht-daybed from 1953, Pilastro-florlamp and Aalto stool. Painting “Neuschwanstein III” by Arnim Boehm. Photo: “DDR limited”, Central Berlin, ©Skjerven

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The Linari residence in Hamburg’s district Groß Flottbek

When I turned into the calm side street in the chic Hamburg district Groß Flottbek I immediately knew: this must be the place! The minimalistic cube midst the so-called Hamburg coffee grinder (this is how the members of the Hanseatic League of the 1920s and 1930s called the red-brick villas with their quadratic ground plans) immediately catches ones attention. It’s therefore no wonder that Hamburger Rainer Diersche had to render diverse opinions of experts for the building license of his 520 square meters exceptional house. Diersche, qualified industrial engineer and product designer, did not only realise a multiple architectural highlight with this house, but also integrated the anthracite coloured new building into the stock development. But entrepreneur Rainer Diersche does not only have an eye for architecture: Diersche creates luxury room fragrances and perfumes with his label Linari

Entrepreneur and product designer Rainer Diersche in his study. Also from here there is a line of sight to the outside

A portrait of Diersche’s father by the Hamburg painter Erich Hartmann

MyStylery: It smells so lovely in here. What is it?
Rainer Diersche: This is the fragrance “Estate” from the LINARI-collection. We have an area-fragrancing: scents will be fed via the ventilation system and are created after my ideas of perfumers in Germany and Paris. I choose the scent depending on my mood. Without it nothing works.

The sofa in the livingroom is from B&B Italia, the upholstery fabrics for all pillows, chairs and bed heads from Kvadrat

MS: You learned banker, then studied economics. How do you get a fragrance entrepreneur?
RD: I was already affine after scents as a child. Later on I had a store at the Stilwerk and realised, how big the demand of design is. That brought me to the idea to create demanding fragrances with a good design. By the way our biggest foreign market is Japan. There, the ingredients are being strongly controlled, for example how scents operate on dog nose. I do especially attach importance to the packaging as well as the content. Although I sometimes get tears in my eyes when I’m thinking about the costs. (laughs)

The Danish clinker of the mantelpiece can also be found in the exterior façade. White leather chairs are from COR

MS: Regarding the planning of your house you were similar uncompromisingly.
RD: Yes, that’s right. The actual thought was to design the house as minimalistic and ecologically as possible. We use geothermal energy for the floor heating and power supply. Most important are good materials, their harmony and a consequent implementation. The clinker at the fireplace is the same that has been used for the external façade. Also the floor tile has been laid inside and outside, including a continuous alignment in the jointing.

The illuminated handrail of varnished oak leads to the first floor

The Bengal cats Gucci and Prada

MS: This sounds pretty perfectionist.
RD: I’m consequent. If I do something, I do it right.
MS: Is it actually always so tidy at yours?
RD: (laughs) Yes, its a little bit like in a museum. And it’s still comfortable. If you decide for a minimalistic construction, then a certain living-tidiness belongs to it.

For bed frame and head Rainer Diersche chose a felt fabric from Kvadrat

Next to the flat screen in the master bedroom, is a portrait of the Hamburg painter Erich Hartmann. It shows his wife

MS: In this area rules a structural provision made to safeguard existing standards, a so-called constituent Ensemble. Your modern way of construction probably didn’t only bring you new friends in the neighbourhood.
RD: At this place didn’t stand a coffee grinder like the other neighbour houses, instead there was a house that was not renovated. We had to knock it down. Our compromise was the dependence to the Bauhaus-style. Surely there’s also a lot of gossip. I’m proud of what I established. We evidently live in a community with envy. And that’s a petty. BvH

Varnished oak has been used for stairs, handrails and internal cupboards

Also the master bath is equipped with Ligurian slate

Rainer Diersche in the summer kitchen on the top floor of the house, where he also hosts guests on the adjacent terrace

The washbasins are made of Corean

Bengal cat Gucci enjoys the cooling stone tiles

The kitchen is from Strato, the work surfaces out of stainless steel and Nero Assoluto as well as Corean, bar stool “Lem” from La Palma

It seems logical that a real Hamburg need to have chairs with the name “Alster”. Table and chairs from Ligne Roset

The Biedermeier-commode from 1820 chose Diersche “to exclude the strength”. Silver chandelier and vase are from Christofle. “The vase is special, thereof only exist 20 pieces worldwide.”

Oil painting from Erich Hartmann, who belonged to the artists’ association “Hamburger Sezession” in the 1920s. Diersche inherited it from his father and complemented the collection with additional purchases

Ligurian slate has been used for the wine cellar

Rainer Diersche designed the sauna according to his specifications. It is illuminated by a colored light system

The whole living- and outdoor area has l m x l m limestone-tiles

The minimalistic cube emerged in collaboration with the Hamburg Dibelius architect. 520 square meters spread onto two floors plus cellar on a 957 square meters property

Contact:
www.linari.com

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Beautiful staircase in a traditional Berlin building in Mitte district: These steps lead to the creative workshop of the architect Davide Rizzo

Russia’s four richest families count to his clients, he has jobs in London, Tel Aviv and Cannes. His clientele is internationally spread, so that the Swiss architect Davide Rizzo constantly jets around the whole world even though he is frightened of flying. Born in Milan, Davide grew up in Lugano where he studied architecture and design. Followed by a year in Tokyo where he worked for an architecture bureau, he then changed to New York to the Metropolitan Opera to create stage settings. In the beginning of the 90s – the start of the Berlin-Boom – he then decided to go to Germany, also to learn the language. In the Neue Schönhauser Allee – in the centre of hip Berlin Mitte – Davide Rizzo now works with his ten employees. Creaking stairs lead to the first floor of a typical Berlin old building into a bureau that has nothing in common with a cliché-minimalistic architect’s office.

Davide Rizzo has something to smile: He works for the world’s rich and super rich

MyStylery: Your office looks like it’s your own living room.
Davide Rizzo: I don’t like those sterile think tanks with their white walls, where there’s not even a comfy chair to sit on. Our client comes in and already feels home. And this also counts for my employees and myself.

Davide Rizzo doesn’t like sterile think tanks. Also his international clients should feel at home. Above the table, the chandelier ensures a pleasant light*

MS: You’re working a lot in Russia. An office in Moscow would make sense, wouldn’t it?
DR: Well no! I’m so happy that I only have to visit Russia once in a month. I need the gap. In cities like New York, Los Angeles and Moscow the clients expect kind of a constant presence. I permanently have to entertain them, take them out for dinner, have to be reachable… This is too exhausting for my liking. Therefore Berlin is like a great safe heaven for myself with the option to equally turn my back on it.

This chandelier “Shampoo” is comprised of 300 Murano glass balls and was designed by Davide Rizzo for Seguso*

MS: You employ ten staff members, each with a speciality whether draft, advice, design, art. You even have an expert for the selection of your fabrics. This seems like an elaborate customer service!
DR: Yes, my clients are sophisticated. Nobody wants something others already got. This makes our service very intense and we always have a lot to do. It’s very extreme in Russia. There they sometimes don’t even ask for prices. Luckily the Russians are more cultivated nowadays.

View into the offices of the employees of Davide Rizzo*

MS: How does the current political crisis affect the consumer behaviour in Russia?
DR: The rich prefer London now, as they don’t pay lots of taxes for their wealth. For me this is great because I’m internationally recommended. My clients all know each other, no matter whether they live by the Cote d’Azur or in Miami. Often it feels like I’m a family member that accompanies all projects for years: first I design the villas, then the yachts and afterwards the private jets.

The 60s leather chair “Jangada” in Rizzo’s office is by the Brazilian designer Jean Gillon: “The chair is one of my favorites,” says Davide Rizzo*

MS: You created shop concepts for L’oréal and Aveda, a series of glasses for Seguso, kitchen grips for Siematic. Which part of the current orders tempts you?
DR: Each order is a new challenge. Some jobs are so comprehensive that the clients want me to produce everything individually, including bedding and cutlery. We offer an all around service. For a Spanish client we just built a house in London with five thousand square meters of living area. Its neighbourhood is prominent: Elton John lives on the left, Gianna Nannini on the right. The house facades look like townhouses, they’re all identical. But inside is everything allowed. We even needed a whole floor just for the technology of the house! Now my clients are happy and their children don’t have to be flown in for their ballet lessons.

Three of these Murano Chandeliers – here the prototype – Rizzo has hung in the pool of customers. If a bulb needs to be replaced, the pool must first be emptied completely*

MS: Your job seems to require lots of instinctive feelings and sensitivity.
DR: Right (laughs). For example in the beginning a client, with whom I planned his house, always came to me with his beloved, until his wife came right afterwards. A huge drama; everything needed to be changed. Simultaneously I’m a therapist and an architect. Recently I came to a construction area and was looking for my construction plans, which usually hang on the wall. I found them on the toilette, cut in stripes for other usages. I didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh. BvH

“I have designed the glass series for people who like to drink. The glasses are big enough”, says Davide Rizzo*

Plexiglass framed sketches and drafts by Davide Rizzo

The green vases come from a traditional production in southern Mexico

“By whom is the art?” I ask. “From me,” Davide laughs, “a little ironic allusion to life.”

Contact:
Davide Rizzo
Neue Schönhauser Straße 2
10178 Berlin

www.daviderizzo.de

*copyright by Davide Rizzo

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