HAMBURG, GERMANY 2006 2009
The site for this family home is located in one of the most important garden parks in Hamburg Blankenese. The sprawling green space, which is a protected natural area, borders the banks of the River Elbe to the south and Blankenese's famous 'Treppenviertel' to the west, a densely staggered residential development from the early 19th century with a steep slope down to a wide bay on the River Elbe. The generous views, landscaped gardens with their wide green spaces and prominent tree population, and the town directly to the north formed the starting point for the design considerations.
The basic concept is formed by a building composed of several interlocking volumes of differing sizes. Each volume is placed at a slight angle, facing a different direction. In this way, it will be possible to experience the diversity of the surrounding nature from the inside while the confined footprint, restricted by the existing trees, is best utilized. By sliding the different volumes into the spaces between the trees, a maximum amount of floor space is generated. The heights of the volumes refer to the treetops and form terraces and balconies at different levels.
The public and representative functions of the house will be located on an open-plan ground floor level, directly relating to the garden landscape, while a double-height entrance and stair hall lead to the upper floors where separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and studies will be located. The design focuses on the windows, which have different dimensions and positions, providing panoramic views of the surrounding nature. Each facade and each volume is dominated by at least one large window, which is inserted into the wall composed of salvaged bricks with a slurry finish. The deep window reveals thus become a delicate balance between living space and nature.