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The Rise of the Multifunctional Architectural Core

Modern urban living is shifting away from traditional cellular layouts. Instead of dividing a home into rigid, isolated rooms, designers are embracing the concept of a “central core.” This approach consolidates essential functions into one architectural element, freeing up the rest of the floor plan for fluidity and light.

A prime example of this trend is seen in the work of Bruzkus Greenberg in Berlin. In their “Blue Box” project, a 75-square-meter penthouse was transformed by removing all internal walls and an unused fireplace. In their place, a blue-stained wooden core was installed to house the entrance, storage, and a built-in banquette.

By concentrating utility in one “box,” the living area expands and circulation becomes more intuitive. This strategy allows the dining area to become the new center of the home, proving that a single, bold intervention can redefine the entire residential experience.

Bold Color Palettes as Spatial Tools

The era of safe, neutral interiors is giving way to a more playful and intentional use of color. Designers are now using bold hues not just for aesthetics, but to define specific zones and evoke emotional responses within a space.

In the Prenzlauer Berg penthouse, a dark-blue stained wood veneer creates a strong contrast with the brighter living areas. This “dark and low” entry makes the subsequent open space feel significantly larger and more luminous. The palette is further layered with a sky-blue staircase and a bespoke butter-yellow “Sophia 3000” sofa, where the equal width and depth of the segments allow for flexible configuration.

This approach to color-blocking is a signature of the Bruzkus Greenberg philosophy, also seen in their Remi restaurant project, which is defined by striking cherry-red joinery. Using saturated colors for permanent fixtures helps anchor a room and gives it a distinct identity without requiring excessive decor.

Adaptive Privacy and Fluidity

As the boundary between home and office continues to blur, the demand for “adaptive privacy” is increasing. The trend is moving toward flexible dividers that can be deployed or retracted based on the time of day or the user’s needs.

Rather than permanent walls, designers are utilizing built-in cabinetry and textile solutions. In the Berlin penthouse, a sleeping area is separated from the living space by a light-blue curtain that retracts fully into the cabinetry. This allows for total privacy when needed while maintaining cross-ventilation throughout the apartment when the curtain is open.

the integration of multi-use furniture is becoming standard. A headboard that incorporates a desk for a home office is a perfect example of how a single piece of furniture can serve two distinct purposes, maximizing every centimeter of an urban footprint.

Strategic Space Amplification

In high-density cities, the challenge is to develop a limited area feel expansive. The current trend involves “hiding” structural constraints and using reflective surfaces to trick the eye.

Mirrored panels are being used strategically to create the illusion of more space. For instance, covering an existing structural column with mirrors can make it “hide in plain sight,” reducing the visual clutter of the room. This technique, combined with an open-plan arrangement, removes the feeling of being “cut off” in small, dark rooms.

Outdoor integration also plays a key role. Extending the living experience to a roof terrace—complete with built-in wooden benches that double as storage for cushions—effectively increases the usable square footage of the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a multifunctional architectural core?

This proves a centralized design element that houses multiple functions—such as storage, entrances, and seating—allowing the rest of the space to remain open and flexible.

How can color be used to make a room feel larger?

By creating a contrast between a dark, compact entry area and a bright, open main room, the transition makes the larger space feel even more expansive.

What are the benefits of using curtains over walls in a studio?

Curtains provide flexible privacy and can be fully retracted to allow for better light penetration and cross-ventilation, which is essential in smaller urban apartments.

How do mirrored surfaces help in interior design?

Mirrors amplify the sense of space and can be used to camouflage structural elements, like columns, making them less intrusive in an open-plan layout.

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