Gallery Penthouse, Hamburg-Rotherbaum

Historical substance – Wilhelminian style meets modernity

The flat extends over two levels and combines classic spaciousness with modern living ideas. On the 4th floor, a spacious entrance hall leads to a kitchen and dining area centrally located on a platform. A fireplace elegantly separates the dining and living areas. The floor is complemented by a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, a children’s room, guest WC, utility room and storage room.

Architectural sequence of rooms – spaciousness with vision

A curved spiral staircase leads to the gallery level with exposed rafters that emphasise the historic character. Here you will find a work area with a view of the kitchen, another guest room/children’s room with its own bathroom and dressing room, and direct access to the spacious roof terrace. From there, you can enjoy an impressive view over Hamburg – from the television tower to the Alster lake and the green bunker in St. Pauli.

Challenges in the construction process – monument protection and urban restrictions

The location of the building posed particular challenges for planning and execution: the narrow street was not accessible to heavy goods vehicles or cranes, as access was via a cross street that is underpassed by an underground railway line and has only a low clearance. In addition, the building is directly adjacent to a hotel on both sides, which necessitated extensive soundproofing measures. As general planner, rimpf Architektur & Generalplanung took care of the building law and monument protection clarifications, the fire protection concepts and the entire construction management. This also included the integration of escape routes, for example via a secret door in the dressing room of the master bedroom or via the flat roof into the semi-public stairwell. The new steel stringer staircase, the replacement of all roof windows and the conversion of the gallery into living space document the high planning standards.

Timeless interior design – collaboration for a harmonious overall look

In collaboration with renowned Hamburg-based interior designer Julia Rulez, an interior was created that emphasises the Hanseatic character of the apartment. Natural materials such as limed oak create a warm atmosphere, while clean lines and understated details exude modernity. Classic elements such as profiled doors, Hamburg skirting boards and Hanseatic-style panelling are combined with modern accents such as a kitchen in white marble look or individually designed bathrooms. The result is a harmonious interplay of old and new – an apartment that combines tradition and contemporary living above the rooftops of Hamburg.