Ballindamm 33–34
Closing a Gap on a Binnenalster Block
  • Location
    Hamburg
  • Project
    New construction of an office and commercial building with underground parking
  • Client
    Generali Real Estate S.p.A. Germany branch office
  • Architect of record
    Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
  • Project controlling
    ALBA Bau Projekt Management, Oberhaching
  • Technical building equipment
    Petersen-Ingenieure, Düsseldorf
  • Structural engineering
    Ingenieurbüro Abel · Gebhart, Hamburg
  • Fire protection
    Bureau Veritas Construction Services, Halle
  • Building physics
    TAUBERT und RUHE, Pinneberg
  • Planning and construction period
    2014–2021
  • Service phases
    1–5
  • Gross floor area (AG/BG)
    6,320/930 m²
  • Photos
    HGEsch
  • This project is from the joint period of meyerschmitzmorkramer.

On Hamburg’s prestigious Ballindamm, directly on the Binnenalster and across from the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, we completed a new seven-story building with a penthouse for Generali Real Estate. This property spans the full depth of the block, extending from Balindamm to Hermannstrasse at the rear, and is a part of the heritage-listed Binnenalster ensemble. The construction of this relatively large building in the heart of Hamburg’s old town was made possible by the demolition of an outdated 1970s building. Ballindamm 33-34 closes the line of buildings on both street fronts and connects them with a transverse block across the inner courtyard. The ground floor offers a large, highly visible space ideal for retail or dining establishments. The upper floors have been designed as comfortable offices. Access to the underground bicycle and car parking is through a driveway on Hermannstrasse.

 

Ensemble effect

We developed the finely detailed, handcrafted natural stone facades of the street fronts in consultation with the city and preservation authorities. A standout feature on the Ballindamm side is the two-story plinth zone, where the eight vertical axes of the upper floors converge into four expansive portals. In this area, the surface of the light-colored natural stone is either bush-hammered or grooved, while a cornice creates a clear separation from the smooth, perforated facade of the higher levels. Entry to the office floors is on Ballindamm through an elegant lobby. The window designs in the perforated stone facade mirror the geometric alignment of the neighboring buildings, with arches accentuating the windows on the top full story. Beveled natural stone windowsills add subtle yet sophisticated depth to the facade, contrasting with the dark window frames. Although the staggered top floor is hidden from street view, a loggia over the two central axes magnificently frames views of the Binnenalster. To harmonize with the listed ensemble, the roof is clad in copper, matching the other buildings along the Binnenalster.

Closing the gap

On Hermannstrasse, the new building fits neatly into the streetscape as a narrow, two-axis infill. With a facade of light-colored natural stone and an axial symmetry, this building echoes the material and style of the facade on Ballindamm and brings a sense of calm to the area’s diverse architecture. The entrance to the underground parking garage is situated on the ground floor, adjacent to the building’s second entrance. Office spaces occupy the 2nd through 6th floors, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows on this side and the inner courtyard facades, maximizing natural light at workstations. In this prominent location, special care was also taken with the building’s nighttime appearance. Atmospheric lighting was carefully planned in collaboration with a lighting advisory board and the senior building director.

Project team
  • Bernd Ernst
  • Julia Pagels
  • Nadine Böttcher
  • Engin Esen
  • Melanie Fior
  • Beate Groß
  • Timo Heinzmann
  • Klaus Kirchner
  • Sebastian Lietz
  • Sven Michels
  • Mareike Müller
  • Claus Spitzer
  • Verena Wagner