Behold the Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach. A masterpiece of modern architecture. This striking building stands proudly on Emmericher Strasse. It’s more than just a house. It’s a testament to innovative design.
The Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach wasn’t built yesterday. Karl Wach designed it between 1931 and 1933. He created a pioneering structure. Its free composition of cubes and surfaces was groundbreaking. It influenced modern residential architecture in the 1950s. Imagine this for the time. It was the first Dusseldorf residential building to use exposed concrete. A bold choice for its era.
The Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach has a unique design. The front section is two stories high. The rear building is only one story. A sloping flat roof connects the two parts. The street facade is asymmetrical. It features horizontally placed windows. A striking band of round windows sits above the entrance. These aren’t just ordinary windows. This design detail is inspired by ocean liners. It’s a subtle nod to the elegance of ship design.
This building isn’t just visually stunning. Its historical importance is undeniable. It is listed as a protected monument. Jorg Heimeshoff rightly calls it a significant example of concrete construction. Such a building material was uncommon at the time. It highlights the forward-thinking nature of its design.
Notice the exposed concrete. It’s a raw beauty. Perhaps the first example of béton brut in the Rhineland. The Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach was once in a rural villa area. It stands out. Its asymmetrical facade was unusual. Yet the whitewash softens the avant-garde design. The visible roof rafters and former trellises add to its unique character. The béton brut here feels almost romantic. It evokes associations with the typical whitewashed brick buildings of the Lower Rhine region.
The Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach isn’t just about its exterior. Its interior is equally impressive. Large windows open the living area to an inner courtyard. Folding walls could separate or combine the living spaces. This created a remarkably open and flexible floor plan. The courtyard itself is a highlight. A large almost floor-to-ceiling round window is captivating. It belongs to the former dining room. Imagine sitting in elegant stainless steel cantilever chairs. You could gaze into the atrium garden. The garden was bordered by a swimming pool and a sculpture.
The Wohn- und Atelierhaus Wach isn’t just a building. It’s a piece of architectural history. A unique blend of innovation and beauty. It reflects Dusseldorf’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. It’s a place that invites exploration and contemplation.