history 1932-1990

in 1930 karl and martha lemke buy a double piece of land by the lake obersee. in february 1932 mies van der rohe is given the contract to design a house for the couple. numerous designs are produced. in july 1932 permission is granted for the execution of the architectural plans; some changes to the project ensue. in august 1932 building work begins, by September 15th the structural inspection is complete and in march 1933 the final inspection is carried out. in may 1933 further additions to the project are granted building permission. from 1933-1945 the house is occupied by the lemkes. some pieces of furniture are probably designed for the house by lilly reich – the garden is landscaped by the studio of karl foerster. in may 1945, soviet troops requisitioned some of the houses by the obersee, including the lemke country house. the house is used by the soviet army as a garage and storage space and serious structural damage occurs. e.g. demolition of the entrance area and bricking in of the terrace windows. in 1962 the east german ministry of state security takes control of the house. further alterations are made to the structure of the building and to the garden.

As of today it has been fully renovated.

Location: Oberseestraße 60, 13053 Berlin, Germany