At Tesdorpfstrasse 8 in Hamburg, near the Dammtor railway station, a new office building has been completed to a design by architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) which meets top energy conservation standards and is likely to receive the gold certificate under DGNB rules.
The height of the new seven-storey building is respectful of the location and in keeping with the existing buil- dings in the neighbourhood. The line of the eaves of both adjacent buildings has been adopted by staggering the top floors. The top floor recedes away from the Grand Elysée Hotel as well as the residential building dating from the Victorian period. The centrally-placed entrance area consists of two-storey high arcades. The architectural envelope of the building conveys a strong expression without being garish: the variations in the facade - with projections and recesses, as well as curved contours - seem to give the building a different expression from diffe- rent angles, while the pale and natural stone of the facade blends well with the adjoining buildings.
Likewise, the varied fenestration of the office building relates to its location: while the two-storey high window elements lend a prestigious scale to the building by reflecting the generous scale of the hotel, the smaller win- dows resonate with the residential buildings dating from the turn of the century.
The entrance hall to the building with its two-storey high glazing conveys a generous feel. In the foyer, users and visitors are directed straight to the central lift block. Further facilities on the ground floor are a canteen and a large restaurant. The middle part of the 16 metre deep building is taken up by offices comprising open-plan, group and cellular offices, as well as quiet rooms and small meeting rooms.
