Haus Cramer
Pacelliallee 18, Zehlendorf; country house, 1912-13 by Hermann Muthesius
The Haus Cramer is one of the most beautiful designs by the architect Hermann Muthesius and among the most important country homes in Berlin in terms of architectural history and artistic value. Its structure of Ruedersdorfer limestone masonry dominates the environment with unobstructed views on three sides, a high roof and three mighty gables. Through his typical combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical sections, Muthesius created a picturesque unity. The architect's intent was not to dazzle with ostentatious façades, but rather to build habitably, snugly and comfortably, and to express these qualities through both form and material.
The relationship between the house and garden was the main theme of his design. Muthesius conceived of the garden as a continuation of the living space toward the outside, a continuation which was to be articulated with architectural means. A semi-exposed area fenced in by pergola and limestone walls enfolds a terrace and a geometric rose garden in front of the secluded country house. The plans for interior and exterior areas are closely related to each another. An avenue leads the visitor from the garden gate toward the house, where it transforms into a dense pergola immediately in front of the main entrance. Passing through an oval vestibule at the entrance brings the visitor to the hall, where a sequence of rooms cross at a right angle: dining room, hall, reception room, the last of which is completely oriented toward the garden to the south, accessible via a terrace with an open staircase. While the seclusion increases toward the house, the strictly bordered areas open as the distance to the house increases.
Today, the building serves as "Overseas Campus" for the Stanford University.
