Ray Kappe’s Only House Outside the US Brings Californian Modernism to Berlin

In Kleinmachnow, near Berlin, Lars Triesch commissioned the only home designed by Ray Kappe outside the United States.

The low, horizontal structure features expansive glass walls, layered volumes, and custom-milled redwood siding shipped from California. Prefabricated components and advanced slim insulation allowed the build to meet strict German codes while preserving Kappe’s proportions and open, light-filled design.

Exposed Douglas fir beams, a suspended wood-block staircase, and a central double-sided fireplace define the modernist interior. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces are designed for both efficiency and natural light, with a seamless flow between rooms. Materials and finishes were sourced to match Kappe’s California projects, including rare Douglas fir and clear red oak flooring.

The layout includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sauna, a studio, and multiple outdoor areas. A Japanese-style garden with a waterfall and creek, designed by Richard Grigsby, connects the home to its wooded surroundings. Furnished with vintage and custom Kappe-designed pieces, the residence merges Californian modernism with the character of the German countryside.

Photography: Jürgen Nogai

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