Altonaer Terrassen

More pictures from the project

Category: Housing/business
Address: Hamburg, Neumühlen
Size: 13,000 m²
Client: August Prien
Architect: Arkitema and GRS Reimer + Partner
Landscape Architect: Arkitema
Awards: No awards
Competition year: 2007
Type of competition: Closed, international

The competition proposal 'Altonaer Terrassen' consists of two sculptural buildings, located with the Elbe on one side and the old Elbbrink on the other. The two buildings function as housing and as office buildings, respectively.
Distinctive terraces in up to 12 storeys provide signal power to the two buildings. The terracing mimics the local landscape, with its curving forms.
The red copper facades form a beautiful contrast with the verdant surroundings. The copper cladding takes the form of rectangular formats which give the facades a lively and varied expression. The facades and the large glass panels help to unite the buildings in a single motif. The surrounding balconies, which are located at a distance of one metre from the facade, give the buildings a distinctive expression and add spatial depth to the facades, while at the same time functioning as sun screening.
Both buildings are elongated, with a distinctive break. The break lends character to the buildings, and helps to create a natural space around them. The characteristic design also secures good views and optimum natural light. The landscaping reflects the buildings' characteristic break in beds, surfaces and a large set of steps for outdoor relaxation.