The standout feature of the Kaiser Hof is undeniably its facade. At first glance, its design appears straightforward: vertical elements arranged in narrow bands delineate the stories in dense, uniform intervals. Behind this light-colored, almost lattice-like structure, the actual window surfaces are set dramatically far back in dark frames. By day, the facade presents as a unified whole; in the dark, it transforms into a luminous body, offering glimpses into the building’s bustling inner workings. Upon closer inspection, the shape of the vertical fiber concrete elements suggests a sense of dynamism. Unlike the horizontal bands, these elements curve and taper with subtle asymmetry, creating a delicate interplay of shadows and spatial depth that shifts depending on the viewpoint and lighting. Achieving this effect required close collaboration with the manufacturer to develop a result that met our exacting standards, with each element mounted and adjusted by hand. This exemplifies the artistry and precision of modern craftsmanship.

The interiors of the Kaiser Hof feature high-quality, durable materials. The window frames, aluminum on the outside, oak wood on the inside, establish a warm base tone. The terrazzo flooring in the lobbies echoes the materiality of the facade. Prussian blue painted ceiling coffers add refinement – regal elements that don’t have to shine in gold to be effective.
The multi-tenant building offers 17,900 square meters of floor space over two street addresses, housing tenants and event venues. Besides the convenient proximity to public transport, a three-story underground garage with parking spaces and charging stations presents streetscape congestion in the surrounding neighborhood.
Receiving the 2020 Iconic Design Award and the 2021 German Design Award Special for the Kaiser Hof was a great honor. We are also thrilled about our relocation to the fourth floor in summer 2019 – making our own office a vibrant showcase of our work.