Built in the 1930s, this home still radiates the character of its era: a cleanly articulated structure, warm red brick façade, and solid proportions—hallmarks of Hanseatic residential design. Preserving this architectural heritage while reimagining it for contemporary living became the shared vision of everyone involved. General contractor Rath and his craftsmen, working alongside architect Bastian Grell, carefully restored the original structure and introduced a striking modern addition: a refined cubic volume with a wooden skin that wraps the southeast elevation across two stories. The new extension asserts itself with confident clarity while remaining in perfect harmony with its historic companion.

The interplay between classic brick masonry and contemporary timber design generates a compelling architectural presence. The original structure anchors the composition with its narrative of permanence and stability. The addition, meanwhile, gestures toward the future: spare, linear, and sustainably conceived. This old-new dialogue celebrates rather than conceals contrasts—a principle evident in every material choice and spatial decision. Bright, minimal interiors are punctuated by steel doors in an industrial aesthetic that simultaneously define and dissolve boundaries, infusing the home with transparency and visual lightness. Historic details from the original building have been thoughtfully preserved, creating warm accents against the crisp, contemporary surfaces that dominate the newer spaces.

The ground floor gains distinctive spatial quality from the sloping eastward terrain. Living room, kitchen, and dining area flow seamlessly into one another, forming the vital center of family life. Expansive glazing frames generous views into the garden while bathing the spaces in natural light. A study on this level serves as both private refuge and gathering space. Upstairs in the original building, the children's domain comprises two bedrooms offering privacy and security, each with access to a shared bath. The exposed collar beam structure and open views up to the roof ridge create an exceptionally airy atmosphere. A ladder ascends to the attic—a realm unto itself, defined by the intimate play of sloped ceilings and timeless charm. The upper floor of the new extension unveils the parents' sanctuary: bedroom, dressing room, and spa-like en-suite bath merge into one luminous, modern retreat. Clarity and comfort converge here in a serene refuge with direct garden connection. Together, these spaces weave past and present into a home of enduring beauty and livability.

​www.rath-exklusiv.de

Photography:
Arnt Haug
www.arnt-haug.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 04|25)