The Elbe suburbs are coveted for their lush greenery and waterfront proximity. Every so often, a plot emerges that makes it possible to create homes for multiple families at once. Architect Heike Tellmann designed the densification strategy for this project. At the heart of the new ensemble sits a striking cubic red-brick residence—featuring a generous ground floor combining living and dining spaces with three private bedrooms above. The site itself presented considerable constraints: at roughly 520 m², the lot was modest, surrounded by tight building density, with a private access lane on one side and a public footpath on the other. Rather than compromise on livability, Tellmann crafted a solution that thoughtfully navigates these spatial and contextual challenges while preserving genuine privacy for residents.

The pivotal design move was to articulate the cubic form in response to its functions, using strategic projections and recesses to engage the site's unique conditions. The garage, rather than standing apart, flows seamlessly into the main residence at the entry, becoming part of the cubic composition on the northwest elevation. This integration serves dual purposes: it pushes private spaces further from the public pathway and eliminates paved circulation routes, freeing up valuable garden area on the sunny side of the plot. The result is an exceptional degree of privacy for the family. The ground floor functions as the vibrant heart of family life today. Yet the floor plan's inherent flexibility—in spatial arrangement and window placement—allows for future adaptation: as needs evolve, the spacious living zone can be subdivided to create a study, guest room, or additional bedroom with minimal intervention.

The lively Wittmund clinker brick facing provides striking textural contrast to the cubic form. In its rustic sorting, the irregular surface creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow—animated by sunshine, equally compelling when winter snow catches its subtle relief. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the hard-fired brick proves exceptionally resilient: as double-shell masonry, it stands up beautifully to Hamburg's notorious rainfall.

www.tellmannarchitektur.de

Photography:
Angela Simi
www.angela-simi.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 01|25)