Europe’s largest office building. That’s what the Sprinkenhof was at the time of its construction. Welcome to a building steeped in Hamburg’s history. The Sprinkenhof stands proudly as part of the Kontorhaus district. This district earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
The Sprinkenhof’s story began in 1925. Fritz Höger and the Gerson brothers, Hans and Oskar, collaborated on its design. The original plan included 122 apartments. However, this vision was never fully realized. What did become reality was Hamburg’s first underground car park, built beneath the Sprinkenhof.
As you observe the Sprinkenhof, note the architectural details. The Gersons drew inspiration from Venice’s Doge’s Palace and Salamanca’s Casa de las Conchas. The building features a “round corner” at Niedernstrasse and Johanniswall. This is a typical stylistic element of the era. The Sprinkenhof is a prime example of Brick Expressionism, constructed with a reinforced concrete skeleton.
Notice the facade. Rhombic clinker patterns emphasize its block-like character. Klinker and terracotta add further embellishment. Facing the Chilehaus, ornaments depict Hamburg’s Hanseatic history. Look for seagulls, the city’s coat of arms, cogwheels, and sailing ships. Ludwig Kunstmann designed many of these ornaments, including a fist holding a golden hammer.
Four sculptures once adorned the Sprinkenhof. Hans Wagner created them. Sadly, bombs destroyed two in 1943. However, a male and a female sculpture remain.
Johann Sprink lends his name to the Sprinkenhof. He acquired the land in 1384. Previously, an old courtyard occupied this space. The Sprinkenhof arose in its place.
Construction occurred in three phases. The central block came first. Next, the west wing was built between 1929 and 1932. Finally, the east wing was added from 1939 to 1943. Hans Gerson passed away during the second phase. Fritz Höger, who later joined the Nazi Party, completed the final phase alone. Oskar Gerson, being Jewish, was barred from practicing architecture in Germany from 1933.
Like other buildings in this district, the Sprinkenhof reflects Hamburg’s Hanseatic identity. The lozenge-shaped painted brick and ceramics create a striking facade pattern. These motifs depict economic, trade, and transport themes. The Sprinkenhof stands as a nine-story structure. Two additional building structures connect to its east and west.
The central structure and west wing have been under the ownership of PATRIZIA GewerbeInvest KVG since 2016. A renovation project in 2002 modernized the building.
The Sprinkenhof remains an impressive symbol. It embodies Hamburg’s architectural and historical significance. Take a moment to appreciate its blend of artistry and history. It is a testament to Hamburg’s enduring legacy.