A towering presence against the Hamburg sky Emporio-Haus stands tall. Its sleek lines and modern facade belie a rich history. This wasn’t always Emporio.
For decades this building was known as the Unileverhaus. It served as the German headquarters for the Unilever corporation. Designed by the architectural duo Helmut Hentrich and Hubert Petschnigg it opened in 1964. Originally it boasted 21 floors reaching a height of 90 meters. A true marvel of its time. It featured a triangular core of reinforced concrete. Three glass panes intersected on the edges creating a unique shape. The interior designed largely by Eduard Bargheer showcased stunning craftsmanship. A central conference room boasted an inlaid wall. Remarkably it lacked auxiliary buildings its presence alone making a statement. It housed a cafeteria for 400 a large underground car park and seven elevators.
Unilever’s needs changed. In 2009 they moved to a new building. Emporio-Haus faced a new chapter. The building was sold extensively renovated and reopened in 2012. The renovation was ambitious. It included adding three floors. The building now stands at 98 meters. Its facade was completely replaced. It now features a double-glazed facade. This improved energy efficiency. Over 2700 facade elements each weighing 700 kilograms were installed. The project also involved the construction of a six-story street-block hotel. The Scandinavian hotel chain Scandic now occupies this space.
The transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics. The renovation prioritized sustainability. The goal was to drastically reduce CO2 emissions. Annual energy needs per square meter plummeted. Emporio-Haus received LEED Platinum certification. This demonstrates its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
More than an office building Emporio-Haus is a piece of Hamburg’s history. It showcases architectural innovation and sustainable redevelopment. It stands as a testament to the city’s evolution a blend of mid-century design and modern sensibilities. It proudly overlooks the city a striking landmark that continues to shape Hamburg’s skyline.