A 1960s multi-family home in Harvestehude needed renovation—and the client saw an opportunity. To make the project economically viable, he wanted to expand the attic into two apartments, extend the existing glass elevator to the new roof level, and keep construction costs lean. The Thomas Walter architectural team's design proposal, titled "The Roof Experience," won him over immediately. The real challenge came next: convincing the building authorities and district planning office. They needed reassurance about the proposed floor count, fire safety measures, and the two generous dormers planned on the street-facing roof slope. The team succeeded by consulting structural engineers, submitting expert assessments, and presenting a detailed model. Construction could then begin on two premium loft-style attic apartments.

The roof extension goes well beyond current energy efficiency standards. High-performance thermal insulation and a heat recovery ventilation system were integrated throughout. The interior uses premium dry-wall construction with enhanced acoustic protection per DIN standards, while solid screed provides superior summer thermal performance. The east-facing garden orientation naturally minimizes summer heat gain. The three-sided open fireplaces provide nearly complete heating. Every choice—from durable materials to meticulously detailed connections, removable components (including the curtain wall), and reduced steel framing—reflects a thoughtful commitment to sustainability.

Openness and generous ceiling heights define the spatial character of these apartments. The "Roof Experience" design philosophy brings residents close to the sky—where they can watch clouds drift by and trace the sun's arc across the seasons. Glass railings frame expansive interior views and open onto the verdant courtyard below. Daylight everywhere was a priority for the architectural team, and it shows: the natural beauty and tactile quality of materials—black granite, light oak, brushed stainless steel—truly shine. Smart home technology rounds out the amenities, while layered indirect lighting, light strips, and accent spotlights create dynamic lighting atmospheres throughout.

www.architekturbuero-thomaswalter.de

Photography Credits:

Daniel Wimmer
www.daniel-wimmer.com
ABTW

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 01|23)