Where Harvestehude and Rotherbaum meet, Alsterchaussee connects Harvestehuder Weg with Mittelweg, passing through one of Hamburg's most coveted residential neighbourhoods. Here, blrm architects have crafted three distinctive townhouses whose staggered composition follows the site's natural topography down towards the Alster. The design draws inspiration from the classic terraced villas lining Alsterchaussee, reinterpreting their typology in dialogue with the surrounding context. In scale and proportion, the buildings echo the refined Wilhelmine-era structures nearby. Recessed façade elements create visual rhythm, define sheltered entrances, and establish a clear address presence. A particularly refined detail appears in the railings before the floor-to-ceiling windows: twisted aluminium slats that provide visual privacy below while maintaining transparency above. Front gardens along the street-facing ground floor offer outdoor living space while preserving resident privacy. Above, two full storeys are crowned by a recessed top floor.

Each townhouse sits on a 60 cm plinth, accessed directly from Alsterchaussee. Internal accessibility is ensured through a ramped passage that bridges the base level. The underground parking deck—accessed via Pöseldorfer Weg—provides twelve spaces for cars and bicycles, while residents benefit from additional storage areas in the basement. The townhouses are organized as multi-unit structures with up to three flats per floor, connected by central staircases and lifts. The varied residential types accommodate different living needs while repeating across each building section to create visual cohesion. This uniform façade rhythm is reinforced by horizontal precast concrete elements—window sills and parapets—that articulate each storey. The clinker brick façade stands apart from neighbouring structures while its warm, light tone creates a dialogue with the adjacent Wilhelmine-era buildings.

In total, the townhouses contain 33 residential units. The three main storeys feature two- and three-bedroom apartments, with ground-floor units enjoying direct garden access. Upper-floor living spaces are deliberately oriented south, opening onto balconies that frame views across the Alster. The crowning recessed storeys showcase generously proportioned three-bedroom apartments, each offering its own private roof terrace.

www.blrm.eu

Photography Credits:

Joshua Delissen

(From CUBE Hamburg 03|22)