New Building Skillfully Integrated Into a Historical Ensemble in Hamburg, Germany

Posted: 28 Nov 2014 08:41 AM PST

Köhler Architekten skilfully integrated a new building within he historic district of Ottensen, in Hamburg, Germany. The classical façade structures of workmen’s and bourgeois houses in the district were reinterpreted and the new resulting surface was covered with the modern HI-MACS® material, designed to inspire a contemporary look. Architect Florian Köhler says that passers-by often stop to let the façade of the new three-storey building (entitled “Ice Loft”) work its magic on them. Although the project’s dimensions and proportion are based on the houses of the surrounding properties from the 19th century, the choice of material shifts it into a new age.

Using a glass staircase as a linking component, the architects staggered the structure – similar to the adjoining property – across a classical semi-basement and two residential levels above it, then finished it with mouldings and a gable-end roof. The ceiling height of the ground floor is higher than that of the residential floors. Vertical ribbon glazing connects the two residential floors. In the style of the smooth and shiny white surfaces of the historical building, the architects chose shiny white façade panels made of imbued Alpine White HI-MACS® solid surface, giving the dynamically formed surface a distinctive depth. How do you like the outcome? [Photos and information provided via e-mail by HI-MACS®]

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