Like a landmark on a map, the Rheinsternhaus marks the Seestern office district as a visible point of orientation from afar. Designed by Düsseldorf architect Jochen Hellenkamp (1927–78), this iconic 19-storey building has housed the Lindner Congress Hotel since its opening in 1973. Architect and entrepreneur Otto Lindner (1929–2020) created something groundbreaking: Germany's first mixed-use high-rise, combining office space with conference and congress facilities—and establishing the hotel group that bears his name. Now, after decades, the brutalist concrete structure from the 1970s has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Düsseldorf firm Lindner Architekten has crowned the original tower with a striking double-storey addition—light, aerodynamic, and purposefully designed. It now houses Otto's Skybar, an upscale venue with unobstructed views, alongside exclusive hotel suites that redefine luxury hospitality.

"Otto Lindner held this vision for the building's crowning achievement close to his heart until his final days," recalls Daniel Schwecke, one of the managing partners. The real challenge lay in the retrofit itself: under pandemic constraints, the team removed over 1,000 tonnes of debris from the roof alone. What goes largely unnoticed is the extensive reconstruction of the lift shaft—that sculptural element marking the north façade. By extending it to the upper floors, passengers can now access the new levels directly, eliminating the need to change lifts. This required relocating the building's original mechanical systems to a new location. Structurally, the 19th floor features curved steel frame beams on both sides, creating the roof's distinctive curvature. The aluminium cladding seamlessly overlaps the original exposed concrete façade, visually uniting both levels through large-format fenestration and an expansive panoramic glass front facing the Rhine. The interiors—both suites and bar—represent a collaboration between Lindner Architekten and Stuttgart-based Geplan Design. Eight luxurious suites flow across the double floor in an open loft concept, with select units able to interconnect. The standouts are the two largest: the 72-square-metre Sky Suite offers views of Düsseldorf's skyline from a freestanding bathtub, while the 92-square-metre Wellness Suite features a private sauna, an indoor whirlpool overlooking greenery, and a terrace. The corridor leads to a small kitchen and separate event lounge before opening into the Skybar itself. Clarity glazing eliminates reflections, framing the city's vista through expansive windows. At the room's heart sits a spacious bar island, surrounded by 102 intimate seats arranged in cosy, view-facing booths. The 90-square-metre roof terrace adds 48 additional places. Above, an aerodynamically curved ceiling is clad in gold-dusted panels and paired with pilot-blue bar stools and a dynamic light installation evoking stormy skies. These design choices celebrate freedom, worldliness, and travel—while subtly nodding to the company's heritage. Otto Lindner maintained his office here for decades specifically to watch aircraft at the neighbouring airport, a passion that inspired the fitting name: Otto's Skybar.

www.lindner-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Nicole Zimmermann
www.nicolezimmermann.de
Joshua A. Hoffmann
www.joshuaahoffmann.com

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|23)