Refined Restraint
A Uhlenhorst townhouse where Hamburg sophistication meets French elegance
Andras Koos Architectural Interior Design undertook a complete transformation of this four-storey Uhlenhorst townhouse. Deliberately contrasting with the building's turn-of-the-century architecture, the interior design embraces a restrained aesthetic—a pared-down formal language, subdued color palette, and carefully curated selection of premium materials—all without excess. The vision: Hamburg sophistication refined through French elegance.
Period doors were replaced with classically profiled interior doors, baseboards, and radiator enclosures—custom-designed by Koos and handcrafted by a local carpenter to harmonize with the home's architecture. Fresh interior finishes complement a unified lighting scheme tailored to the new design. To emphasize the architecture and showcase the original stuccowork, ceilings were partially suspended to accommodate cove lighting. A wireless KNX system manages multiple lighting scenarios, controllable via wall switches or app. The staircase connecting all floors was reimagined with sculptural brass wall sconces—manufactured luminaires in polished brass—coordinating with the ground-floor industrial-style sliding doors. The central stairwell lantern was custom-fabricated by a Belgian maker to echo the wall light finishes.
All furnishings were created exclusively for this residence by Andras Koos Design and fabricated by a Hamburg producer. Stained oak paired with burnished brass defines the shelving, sideboards, beds, nightstands, and coffee tables. Nightstand drawers, the expansive mirror frame, and living area light fixtures feature a distinctive gouged-effect finish—subtly textured as if hand-chiseled. Living room shelves and the bedroom headboard incorporate indirect backlighting, integrated into the dynamic lighting system with multiple scenes available via wall control or mobile app. Handcrafted glass pendant lights and window treatments complete the collection, sourced from leading French and Italian manufacturers.
Photography Credits:
Andras Koos
(Published in CUBE Hamburg 04|22)