Smart in Red

Three townhouses nestled within one striking minimalist structure

Three townhouses needed to integrate seamlessly into the gap between Rissen's village hall and single-family homes—a defining characteristic of Hamburg's westernmost district. The architects at gnosa architekten rose to the challenge, creating a smart development proposal for a site acquired by a small housing association. What emerged was decidedly modern and meticulously structured, despite strict design constraints from the local development plan. The row of residences comprises three distinct, self-contained units, each offering 145 m² of living space and four to five rooms—specifically tailored for families with children. A shared entrance courtyard serves as a neighborhood hub, fostering community connection.

The ground floor embraces an open-plan philosophy, with living, dining, and kitchen flowing together as the heart of family life. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood nearly every room with light. A gracefully curved single staircase ascends to the upper level, which houses the children's bedrooms and shower room, continuing upward to the top floor. Here, the master suite claims its own private sanctuary, complete with an en-suite bathroom. At nearly 5.60 metres high at its peak, the attic space—with its exposed roof trusses and expansive glazed bay window—frames views across rooftops and into the canopies of 200-year-old oak trees. Light materials—exposed concrete soffits and warm oak wood—create a sophisticated contrast against the anthracite-framed windows.

While fundamentally identical, the three houses are subtly differentiated in their details. The two end units gain additional basement living areas, brought to life through expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing. Each opens directly to a thoughtfully proportioned patio and garden access, seamlessly extending the ground floor into a flexible, multi-purpose retreat. Full-height sliding doors create fluid room sequences that feel both open and generous. The building honors Rissen's village character through red clinker brick with tonal mortar joints, yet confidently introduces contemporary elements via large-format fixed glazing and clean-lined edges without roof overhangs.

www.gnosa-architekten.de