The Am Lohsepark neighbourhood in the heart of HafenCity functions as a vital green urban space. Its significance extends well beyond the immediate area, thanks to the expansive park, the "denk.mal Hannoverscher Bahnhof" memorial, and the emerging school campus. The neighbourhood is characterized primarily by closed block structures of five to seven storeys, arranged in harmony around Lohsepark.

Directly opposite HafenCity University, a perimeter block development marks the neighbourhood's southern boundary with a carefully curated mix of uses: a hotel (featured in another article in this magazine), student housing, privately financed residential units, and ground-floor commercial and public spaces. KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten from Braunschweig won the competition for the residential section. The building is conceived as a confident, coherent urban element—solid in construction and striking in its clarity of form. Its clinker brick façade draws inspiration from Hamburg's distinctive brick architecture, creating a seamless fit within the urban fabric.

Oriented toward Lohsepark, 45 premium privately financed residential units showcase contemporary design and high-quality finishes. The "Park Apartments" range from two to four rooms, spanning approximately 50 to 100 m². Perfectly positioned near HafenCity University, the Helmut Schmidt Student Residence, operated by Hamburg's student services, provides 128 furnished apartments for students. Located along Kobestraße and built as subsidised housing in accordance with IFB Hamburg standards, the residence offers two housing options: 20 m² single studios with ensuite shower and kitchenette, or 14 m² rooms in shared four- or five-person units with communal bathrooms and kitchens—all fostering an open, international community. The shared facilities are thoughtfully designed for student life: a container bar, fitness centre, bicycle storage, and laundry. The crown jewel is the verdant roof terrace overlooking the city.

The entire residential development achieves exceptional energy performance, consuming 60 per cent less energy than legal requirements mandate. The distinctive red clinker brick façades and the continuous elevated ground floor visually unify the various building sections. Retail, dining, and public amenities at street level enliven the Lohsepark neighbourhood and strengthen its appeal as a vibrant urban destination.

www.ksp-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Adrian Schulz
homepage.architekturphotos.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|20)