The architecture of this new building by HMArchitekten interprets the stylistic elements of the surrounding Wilhelminian-style houses and their stucco façades in a contemporary way. The façade is structured by decorative brickwork covering the entire surface, which echoes the historical façades. The ground floor is raised. Together with the continuous French balcony on the first floor, it reflects the historical base floors of the old buildings. The staggering of the window sizes at the top creates a clear hierarchy. The balcony railings are designed in such a way that, despite their size, they recede discreetly into the overall appearance of the façade. The implementation required close coordination between planning and execution: the craftsmanship of the bricklayers had to be combined with prefabricated elements such as floor-to-ceiling windows and railings.

The house is located between the Phoenixhof area and Ottensen on Bahrenfelder Steindamm, an area whose history is marked by industrialisation and the boom of the harbour. The neighbourhood still bears traces of this history today: three- to four-storey workers' and craftsmen's houses, backyard buildings for fish processing and industrial halls for ship engine manufacturing characterise the image of a densely built-up urban structure. In accordance with the urban development designation in the B-plan as a mixed-use area, the new building was constructed as a residential and commercial building. A retail space opens onto the street on the ground floor, while two office floors were created on the first and fourth floors. The building also houses four rent-controlled social housing units on the second and third floors. The building is part of a closed development with very different floor heights. In consultation with the Altona urban planning department, a new eaves line and building depth were developed, which provide the framework for this and any future new buildings.

In addition, Bahrenfelder Steindamm is located in the Bahrenfeld-Süd social preservation zone. Since 2016, this ordinance has protected social diversity by ensuring that construction projects and changes in land use are always assessed for their impact on the composition of the resident population. This new building at Bahrenfelder Steindamm 22 thus makes an active contribution to social diversity and the revitalisation of the urban space through new residential and work opportunities.

www.hma.hamburg

Photos:
Joshua Delissen
www.joshuadelissen.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|25)