Building on Hamburg's most historically significant site—where the city's earliest settlement traces converge at today's Cathedral Square—carries inherent significance. And when that site also sits adjacent to the core of the UNESCO-listed Kontorhaus district, the bar for design excellence rises considerably. With their building at Cathedral Square, APB Architekten has delivered a striking example of sensitive urban restoration.

This nine-story structure bridges two architectural landmarks: Rudolf Klophaus's 1938 Pressehaus and Franz Bach's 1924 Miramar-Haus. Facing Cathedral Square, the building's narrow end mirrors the Pressehaus design and echoes its arcaded character. Staggered upper floors reconcile the varying heights of adjacent structures. Along Schopenstehl, the roofline respects the late Baroque town house across the way. The façade's sculptural setbacks and angled planes reference the expressionist Miramar-Haus, incorporating its perforated patterns and clinker brick banding. The result: bold urban edges that define both Cathedral Square and Schopenstehl. The quasi three-winged form, organized around a central staircase, creates office spaces with views toward the square and an appealing interior courtyard along Curienstraße.

The sculptural clinker façade—with its stone palette and striking black glazed brick accents—pays homage to the brick expressionism of the Kontorhaus district while establishing its own architectural voice. The entrance portal frames itself in expressionist-inspired geometry, presenting a clear address marker to Schopenstehl. Anodized aluminium window elements add refined sophistication. Worth noting: the site's historic significance demanded extensive archaeological investigation before construction could begin, followed by complex foundation engineering.

www.apb-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Anke Müllerklein
www.anke-muellerklein.com

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|21)