Deutschlandhaus

The draft duly incorporates itself into the buildings in the vicinity and preserves the past ensemble together with the Ministry of Finance deputation situated across from it, yet the scenario still brings forth a new identity of its own that evolves from the site’s history. Conceived in alignment with the tradition of Hamburg’s venerable “Kontorhäuser” – a combination of mercantile counting houses and warehouses in one – a modern building is being built that complies with the demands of our day and age while simultaneously maintaining the urbanistic spirit of the site. Red brickwork, the material that acts as key visual stylising element, dominates the exterior façade: flat, long stone formats are placed vertically in freely styled groupings. They progress into the soffits and close off horizontal railings and lintels; the consequence is a focus on the fundamental materials, stone and glass. Heading upwards, the continuously increasing proportions of glass impart a finely balanced elegance to the structure. Indoors, a publicly accessible atrium with an ellipsoid floor plan is coming about, all suffused with natural light. Visually overlapping interior terraces that rise over roughly 35 metres high enable a fascinating atmosphere to arise for the adjoining office spaces along with multifaceted options for use. Wraparound pools of water and lush greenery define the heart of the new “Deutschlandhaus” while standing in deliberate contrast to the surroundings. The new building complex encompasses around 40,000 m² of gross floor area aboveground. This is divided into about 29,000 m² of office space, roughly 30 modern apartments facing Valentinskamp, and areas for retailers including gastronomy on the ground floor. The complex also features an underground car park with approx. 175 parking bays.