Ever noticed that building with the striking stair tower? That’s the Chemag-Haus. It stands as a testament to Frankfurt’s post-war architectural revival. Today, we will explore its history and significance.
The 1950s saw Frankfurt bustling with construction. New residential areas arose alongside commercial buildings. Companies wanted to establish themselves in the re-emerging city. The Chemag-Haus appeared during this time. It is located near the Messeturm. Ernst Balser designed it. Its stair tower subtly echoes that of the Junior-Haus.
The Chemag-Haus was built on land damaged in World War II. The previous building was also commercial. Wintershall Holding GmbH from Kassel commissioned the new building. It served as the administrative center for two subsidiaries. One of these subsidiaries was Chemag. The Chemag company gave the building its name. Construction took place from 1951 to 1952. Workers used the existing foundations. Today, the spacious building offers 2,800 square meters of office space.
The Chemag-Haus has a concrete skeleton. Its two wings are at right angles. They face Senckenberganlage and Westendstra\u00dfe. The white facades feature deep-set windows in three rows. Their black frames create a striking contrast. A continuous band of windows runs under the flat roof. The stair tower is a notable feature. It has a semi-circular layout and glass walls. The wave-shaped railings are visible from outside. Supporting pillars hold the structure. The main entrance sits at the tower’s base. An eye-catching glass roof emphasizes it. Metal elements divide the roof. The illuminated stairwell looks impressive at night. The spiral staircase follows the light. The transparent stairwell offers views of the Senckenberganlage. You can see its paleo-biological trail across the street.
The Chemag-Haus reflects both new ideas and pre-war modernism. Ernst Balser gained experience in the 1920s. He worked with Ernst May. After training as a carpenter, Balser studied in Offenbach and Darmstadt. He later established himself in Frankfurt after World War I. He gained recognition for the AOK administrative building. It had offices, laboratories, and bathing facilities. After World War II, he focused on administrative and commercial buildings. He designed the Z\u00fcndholz AG building in Neu-Isenburg. He also created the Offenbach district administration building. The windows of the Kreishaus Offenbach resemble those of the Chemag-Haus. The Chemag-Haus was completed a year earlier. Ernst-Balser-Stra\u00dfe in Kalbach-Riedberg honors Balser. It reminds us of architects of the New Frankfurt era.
The Chemag-Haus gained landmark status in 1986. This happened just decades after its construction. Today, Gloram Real Estate owns the building since 2022. They lease the office space to various companies.
Architectural Digest called Balserhaus an architectural jewel of the fifties. It described it as one of the most beautiful and exceptional forgotten buildings in Frankfurt.
As you leave the Chemag-Haus, consider its blend of history and modern functionality. It represents Frankfurt’s resilience and architectural innovation. The Chemag-Haus remains a significant landmark.