From a blog magazine to a vibrant physical destination: Klub Maison Space is the real-world home of the online magazine Klub Maison, located in the heart of Berlin’s Wedding district. What began as a spontaneous decision evolved over two years into a flexible event and creative space with a character all its own. In this interview, Jules Villebrandt talks about how the space came to life, the design choices that define it – and why “just do it” has remained their most important motto to this day.
How did the idea for Klub Maison come about? Had you been planning a project like this for a while, or was it a spontaneous decision?
JV: Klub Maison as an independent online magazine grew out of the idea of building on our previous blog magazine herzundblut.com and starting something new and fresh. Almost simultaneously, a really cool space became available on the same street where we already had our studio. We just went for it without much of a plan – and that’s how two years of Klub Maison Space came to be. “Just do it” is and remains our credo.
Where in Berlin is the space located, how large is it, and what ideas do you want to realize there?
JV: Klub Maison Space and our studio are both situated in the heart of Berlin’s Wedding district, directly opposite the Ringbahn railway line. The space covers just over 100 square meters and is spread across two levels, with a mezzanine where we installed the kitchen. The architecture surrounding the space is characterized by old factory buildings, most of which are now used by cultural institutions such as an independent cinema and galleries. The site was once home to a tank factory. The space itself is housed in a modern concrete building. The neighborhood can be rough around the edges, but it’s always warm-hearted. Wedding was and remains a very multicultural, working-class district. Right on the doorstep you’ll find a mosque in the courtyard, ballrooms, a listening bar, a Berlin city magazine, several late-night shops, and even a towing service. It never gets boring here.
Who is responsible for the interior design, and how did the design direction develop? Were there experiences from previous projects that influenced the design decisions?
JV: In terms of interior design and spatial concept, Jules is primarily responsible for the creative direction. Since we used the space mainly as an event venue, flexible and mobile solutions were particularly important. We deliberately had the USM Haller furniture fitted with castors. Stackable, lightweight chairs are also essential for us. On the upper level, we use curtains to create a subtle storage area, so that furniture and accessories can be easily stowed away depending on how the space is being used.
What materials, colors, and key design elements define the space, and why were these chosen?
JV: What makes concrete spaces special is that the material itself already provides a strong design foundation. Given the intensive use for events and the exceptionally high ceiling – nearly ten meters at the front – we deliberately avoided large-scale color treatments and chose white as our base. That said, we do introduce color accents in a targeted way: through art, for example in the form of gallery walls, and through the use of curtains, which we sometimes drape quite lavishly. This creates depth and a distinct character without sacrificing the clarity of the space.
“These models were a jackpot for us in many ways. Not only are the stools and chairs stackable, but their consistent look and delicate aesthetic work perfectly in this space.”
You chose the SE 68 SU chair, the S 38/S1 stool, and the SE 330 table. What were the deciding factors in selecting these pieces?
JV: These models were a jackpot for us in many ways. Not only are the stools and chairs stackable, but their consistent look and delicate aesthetic work perfectly in this space. The seating works both on its own and in combination with the SE 330 table, especially at formally set tables with tablecloths. They are iconic, yet effortlessly combine with other interior elements. From experience, we know how crucial that flexibility is – particularly in versatile, multi-use spaces.
What particular challenges arose during the planning or execution, and how were they resolved?
JV: The biggest challenge was definitely the scale of the space. The height, the abundance of concrete, the raw structure – all of that brings character, but can quickly feel cold and unapproachable. It was important to us to bring warmth and flexibility to the space without losing its architectural strength. We addressed this primarily through textile elements such as curtains, which we use deliberately to create zones and improve both acoustics and atmosphere. At the same time, operating as an event space was a challenge in itself: the space had to be able to reinvent itself again and again. That’s why we consistently opted for mobile furniture and modular solutions. There were logistical learnings too – from setup times to the flow of events. A lot of it only really developed through doing. In the end, that was exactly our approach: try things out, adapt, and keep thinking forward.
