On the outskirts of Hanover, a red-brick cottage that first appeared in the early 20th century has become a landmark of artistic home design. Built around 1900, the structure—now known as Kunsthaus Stemmen—looks from the street like any other modest dwelling. Inside, however, the space has been reshaped into a continuous installation where walls, windows, and built-in furniture serve as both canvas and sculpture.
The transformation began when artists Rita Hoch and Norbert Fink moved into the house. Over several years they treated the entire building as a single work of art, embedding mosaics, coloured glass panels, stone fragments and custom-crafted furniture directly into the fabric of the rooms. Traditional materials such as clay plaster were retained, and two historic wood-fired masonry stoves continue to heat the interior, linking past and present in a seamless narrative.
From red-brick cottage to immersive artwork
Hoch and Fink rejected the conventional gallery model; instead, they turned every surface into an immersive experience. Corridors become galleries, kitchen countertops evolve into sculptural altars, and even the attic is layered with glass inserts that refract daylight across patterned floorings. The artists’ interventions blur the line between architecture and visual art, creating a living environment where everyday actions become part of an ongoing performance.
Living and creating within the walls
The house served simultaneously as a home and a studio. Furniture was handcrafted on site, echoing the same materials used in the larger installations. By integrating functional elements—such as the two wood-fired masonry stoves—into the overall aesthetic, the duo ensured that the design remained both beautiful and livable. The retained clay plaster walls carry the faint imprint of the artists’ hands, preserving the tactile history of each modification.
Recent exhibition, documentation and new ownership
In 2024, Kunsthaus Stemmen opened its doors to the public for a special exhibition that showcased the decades-long evolution of the space. The event was documented by Sculpture Network, providing a comprehensive visual record of the house’s unique interior. That same year, collector David Hagge acquired the property, signalling a new chapter for the immersive residence while preserving its artistic integrity.
Size, plot and market availability
The residence offers approximately 144 sqm of living space spread across a ground floor, attic and dedicated workshop. Set on a 427 sqm plot, the property provides ample room for further artistic experimentation or conventional residential use. With its distinctive blend of heritage architecture and contemporary design, the house is now listed for sale, inviting a new owner to continue its story or re-interpret the space according to fresh visions.
Potential buyers are drawn not only to the historical charm of a 1900 cottage but also to the rare opportunity to own a fully realized art installation. Whether an art collector, a designer, or a family seeking a home with a narrative, Kunsthaus Stemmen stands as a testament to how lived-in spaces can become enduring works of creativity.
