Task of the competition "Neuer Wall 50" was the revitalisation of an existing office and commercial building dating from the 70s on Hamburg's most exclusive shopping street. The office floors of the aging building no longer met the market requirements and the fragmented façade was outdated in terms of energy efficiency. Our design proposes a contemporary façade concept combining the ground floor and first floor to form a prestigious plinth zone that gives the retail areas a significantly improved presence in the streetscape. The façade material is a bright Jura limestone with a grooved surface, which frames the windows and forms a strong relief pattern. Dark, vertical joints increase this impression. It creates an abstract ornament that subtly loosens the strict verticality of the façade.

Images: Störmer Murphy and Partners