Gleaming glass reflects Hamburg’s sky. This is Haus A more than just a building. It’s a house within a house a marvel of modern architecture nestled within a neoclassical shell. Haus A stands proudly within the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce’s historic Brsenhalle.
The Chamber of Commerce needed more space. Their existing building on Adolphsplatz was bursting at the seams. A 2003 design competition sought a solution. The challenge was to expand without compromising the historical beauty of the existing structure.
Behnisch Architekten answered that challenge brilliantly. Their design added five floors to the existing Brsenhalle. This wasn’t just adding an extension. It was creating a completely new structure inside the old one a Haus im Haus a house within a house. The new levels occupy a relatively small footprint. The generous space of the original hall was preserved.
Inside Haus A you’ll find a vibrant mix of spaces. There’s a business start-up center. Consultations happen here. Exhibitions showcase innovative projects. Club rooms and meeting facilities cater to members guests and visitors. The top floor offers stunning roof terraces. Look out over the Hamburg rooftops. Arched clerestory windows offer breathtaking views.
The new structure’s design is striking. Layers and planes of light contrast with the solid walls of the older building. Light immateriality and reflection play against the heavier more elaborate stone. It’s a testament to skillful architectural integration a perfect blend of old and new.
Another unique feature of Haus A is its lighting. The architects partnered with Nimbus Design. They developed a revolutionary LED lighting system. This system wasn’t part of the original design but it proved essential. The Haus im Haus became the first building worldwide completely lit by LED lamps. More than 160000 LEDs illuminate the five levels. Each of the hundreds of light modules contains 400 LEDs. This creates an almost ethereal glow. The building seems to float a glittering multifaceted jewel.
Haus A is more than just an office building. It’s a successful example of urban renewal. It showcases modern architectural ingenuity preserving a historical landmark while adapting to modern needs. The house within a house a testament to creativity and innovation is a true jewel of Hamburg’s architectural landscape.