Munich architecture studio Holzrausch has transformed a townhouse into a dark, theatrical interior inspired by the atmosphere of 1970s South American cinema.
The project, titled Private Club, was designed for film producer Cornelia Popp and her husband. The couple developed a storyboard based on South American movies as a creative starting point for the home.
Instead of following the bright, minimalist aesthetic often associated with contemporary German interiors, Holzrausch created a more secluded and immersive environment. Dark timber, natural stone, tropical planting and carefully controlled lighting establish the project’s cinematic character.
“The house isn’t experienced all at once – it unfolds scene by scene,” Holzrausch co-founder Sven Petzold told Dezeen.
“Every transition, every change of light and every material is part of a spatial narrative that makes the home feel immersive rather than simply functional.”
Dark timber creates a theatrical interior
The townhouse sits within a conventional 1990s residential development with little architectural identity of its own. Rather than responding directly to the surrounding buildings, Holzrausch gave the interior an independent visual language.
“We wanted the architecture to disappear into the background so that atmosphere, light and material become the defining experience,” Petzold added.
A compact vestibule leads into a narrow, wood-panelled staircase that the architects describe as resembling a gorge. The sequence then opens into a naturally lit, double-height living space.
Large glazed doors connect the living area to a balcony. Meanwhile, clerestory windows allow daylight to filter through tropical plants positioned above the built-in cabinetry.
Throughout the home, smoked oak joinery sits against dark-stained okoume flooring. A wood-panelled ceiling continues the tonal palette and reinforces the sense of enclosure.
“The deliberate use of darker materials creates a sense of intimacy and a club-like atmosphere – almost like a refined, contemporary cave,” said Petzold.
“The enveloping tones absorb light, add depth and warmth, and create a calm, immersive environment that feels both protective and inviting.”
Stone, steel and colour punctuate the palette
The darker timber is balanced by cooler materials in the kitchen and bathrooms. Vitoria Regia quartzite, Wachenzeller limestone, stainless steel and coloured glass introduce shifts in texture and temperature.
A heavily veined quartzite backsplash and countertop form the visual centre of the kitchen. However, vibrant yellow elements add a sharper note, appearing across the bar stools, dining table and cabinetry within a pantry niche.
The central kitchen island is fabricated from stainless steel. Its brushed surface provides a precise contrast to the surrounding timber while subtly reflecting movement and light.
Holzrausch also sourced the home’s furniture, lighting, textiles and plants. The studio’s own workshop produced bespoke carpentry, joinery and furniture, alongside selected pieces by Dimore Milano, Tacchini, Haymann and vintage Pierre Chareau.
Founded in Munich in 1998 by Sven Petzold and Tobias Petri, Holzrausch has developed a portfolio spanning residential and hospitality interiors.
The studio’s previous projects include a Frankfurt penthouse with living spaces opening onto a large terrace and a Mallorca holiday home influenced by the colourful architecture of Mexican architect Luis Barragán.
For Private Club, however, the studio’s focus remains firmly on atmosphere. By combining cinematic references with dark wood, natural stone, planting and controlled light, Holzrausch turns an otherwise conventional townhouse into a deliberately immersive interior narrative.