The so-called Deutschlandhaus was built in 1929 as a commercial building according to plans by Block & Hochfeld. With its layered continuous bands of windows in the International Style, it broke with the conventions of Hamburg's Kontorhaus architecture, with only the red brick echoing the local tradition. The building became famous above all for the integrated "Ufa-Palast", the largest cinema in Europe at the time with 2,700 seats. Part of the building was rebuilt in 1949 after war damage, and the entire structure was renovated between 1979 and 1981, so that it was not a listed building. The design for the new Deutschlandhaus blends into the urban environment and preserves the ensemble with Fritz Schumacher's Finanzdeputation opposite. Based on the history of the site, it develops its own new identity and once again demonstrates Hadi Teherani's special feel for the genius loci. In keeping with the tradition of Hamburg's Kontorhäuser, a modern building has been created that meets the requirements of our time. The style-defining material red brick dominates the outer façade. Flat, long brick formats are set vertically in a free formation, they run into the reveals and close off horizontal parapets and window lintels. The increasing proportion of glass towards the top lends the building a finely balanced elegance. Inside, a light-flooded and bright white, publicly accessible, ellipsoidal atrium is created, spanned by a transparent roof construction. Interior terraces that rise up over 35 meters and overlap spatially create a fascinating atmosphere and versatile usage options for the adjoining office spaces. Circumferential water basins and a palm forest characterize the heart of the building and stand in deliberate contrast to the urban surroundings. The new building for the ABG Real Estate Group comprises space for offices, retail and gastronomy on the first floor as well as 30 apartments and an underground parking garage.

www.haditeherani.com

Photos:
HG Esch
www.hgesch.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 04|24)