Pfauen-Haus

A whimsical flourish of peacock feathers…that’s what first catches your eye at the Pfauen-Haus. This isn’t Frankfurt proper. We’re in Offenbach, at Luisenstraße 5. The Pfauen-Haus, or Peacock House, earns its name from the intricate peacock reliefs adorning its Art Nouveau facade. Built between 1902 and 1903, the Pfauen-Haus wasn’t just a pretty face. It was a testament to the vision of Karl Roosen, a master plasterer. He commissioned architect Karl Steuerwald to design this four-story apartment building. Imagine Roosen, surveying the finished building with pride. Each floor housed two apartments, complete with modern amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets. Two smaller apartments nestled under the elaborately decorated roof. The Pfauen-Haus stands out. Its slightly protruding side projections add a dynamic touch. While the ground floor remains relatively simple, the first floor boasts convex window parapets. Floral grilles adorn the middle two axes. Look closely at the second floor. There, amongst the floral and incredibly delicate latticework, are the magnificent peacock reliefs. These give the building its distinctive name. The side projections feature tree reliefs. Their branched roots seem to grow from the first floor upwards, culminating in another peacock relief at the top. A painted floral frieze crowns the third floor, and the roof showcases intricately designed dormers. Oval windows with leaded glass and leaf motifs add a final touch of elegance. This building was unique in Offenbach. Roosen wasn’t content with just one masterpiece. He commissioned another apartment building next door, designed by architect Max Schroeder. This second building, sadly destroyed in 1944 during World War II, showcased a completely different style – Neo-Renaissance. Together, the two buildings stood as a showcase for Roosen’s plastering and building decoration business. The Pfauen-Haus stands today as a reminder of Roosen’s artistry. It’s a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture in Offenbach.