Every building tells a story. Whether through modernization, comprehensive renovation, conversion, or simply the addition of striking design elements—each construction project adds a new chapter to a building's history. The best transformations preserve that sense of evolution, making it tangible and alive. The "unite82" building is a perfect example: once a stately commercial structure near Opernplatz, its dark, maze-like rooms housed the European headquarters of Misr Bank for years. Today, it's a vibrant modern office space with loft-style character—flooded with daylight through glass partitions and oversized lattice windows, featuring flexible office floors that adapt to changing needs, and anchored by the stylish Salon Dylus storefront on the ground floor.

Badtke Architektur from Bergisch Gladbach has thoughtfully reimagined and extended this early 20th-century landmark, preserving its distinctive natural stone façade while incorporating sophisticated 1980s design elements. The project's prominent yet heavily regulated location in Frankfurt's city centre demanded innovative solutions to meet complex logistical and structural requirements. The renovation's crowning achievement is a striking double-tiered addition on the fifth and sixth floors – two elegantly curved steel structures that mirror opposing "U" shapes, embodying the building's name ("unite") in bold architectural form. These twin volumes, clad in complementary natural stone and cantilever dramatically across the façade line, establish an unmistakable visual identity that commands attention within the urban streetscape. Inside, the sculptural steel staircase – finished in striking colour contrasts – extends this dynamic language seamlessly into the interior. Expansive panoramic windows with organically curved contours open onto outdoor terraces, framing breathtaking views of the Frankfurt skyline with understated elegance. While the courtyard expansion has increased floor area, the building's original orthogonal geometry remains untouched on all standard floors, now further accentuated by new loft-style latticed windows. The addition strikes a masterful balance: introducing contemporary flair while honouring the building's architectural heritage. Heritage and innovation exist in perfect harmony.

www.badtke.eu

Photography:
Constantin Meyer
www.constantin-meyer.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|24)