Project Description
2016 Residential Architect Design Awards
Multifamily Housing: Citation
Near the Eastern Harbor of Frankfurt, Germany, an industrial building stood unfinished for a century, its construction halted by the outbreak of World War I. Now 1100 Architect has renovated the structure and completed it at its intended size. To harmonize the old fabric with the new while still maintaining a distinction between them, the design team picked up the proportions and rhythm of the existing structure in the new wing, but used a modern architectural language and materials palette. The cement fiberboard façade of the addition was inspired by the original mansard roof; its faceted openings reveal brightly colored accents that create a sense of depth.
The finished, 159,300-square-foot East Side Lofts has 88 residential lofts and mixed-use spaces on the ground floor. High ceilings and large windows carry over from the historic building into the new wing, creating light, airy living spaces. Outdoor areas were also a priority: Each loft has a balcony, and a central courtyard that is accessible to all residents serves as a refuge from the bustle of the nearby harbor.
This project is a dynamic exploration of the relationship between a historic, neoclassical building and a contemporary addition within the context of a rapidly developing neighborhood in Frankfurt. While designed in a contemporary style, the addition creates a cohesive whole with the existing landmarked building by corresponding to the volume, rhythm, and proportions of the original. It also takes on the generous floor-to-floor height of the prewar structure and the angular shape of its mansard roof. The addition departs from the neoclassical design of the existing building through the use of a sculpturally folded concrete façade punctured by large openings, balconies and loggias, and the playful use of color. 1100 is also working on the renovation of the existing building.