Right here at Heinrichstrasse 12 stands Haus Neiser. It is more than just a building. Haus Neiser represents a bold architectural statement. Let’s explore its story together.
Joachim Neiser designed this house for himself. Construction took place between 1954 and 1955. Neiser himself was the architect. He created a home that defied convention.
Haus Neiser turned its back on pre-war architectural traditions. Instead, it embraced modernism. The building features a striking overhanging upper floor. This design includes a projecting pent roof. A fully glazed facade completes the look.
Neiser studied under Hans Schwippert. Schwippert emphasized bright, light-filled spaces. Haus Neiser embodies this design philosophy. The building stands as a testament to modern architectural ideals.
The upper floor gives the impression of being added later. It seems like a separate unit placed on top. Neiser envisioned it as a self-contained apartment. It even has its own entrance on the side.
The upper section has a continuous window front. Its pent roof juts out towards the street. The floor edge extends beyond the ground floor on three sides. In contrast, the base appears as a solid foundation. It features brickwork and a closed facade.
Neiser framed the centrally located front door uniquely. He used a plastered perforated brick wall. This wall appears as a white screen with openings. Colored glass pieces fill the hollow spaces. This creates a soft light inside.
The contrast between the ground floor and upper floor is very strong. The upper side wall is completely closed with tiles. The openings below resemble ship portholes. The almost cubic upper part seems grafted onto the base.
Surprisingly, the ground floor extends far towards the garden. It is also covered by a pent roof. This creates an introverted facade for the living area. It contrasts with the extroverted style of the upper apartment.
Haus Neiser plays with architectural contrasts. It balances openness and closure. Like Schwippert’s Golzheim atrium house, Neiser created bright spaces unconventionally.
Jörg Heimeshoff from the Düsseldorf Monument Office called Haus Neiser unusual. He described it as a unique example of 1950s family home architecture. The house is a protected monument. This status recognizes its architectural importance. It is an unusual example of a 1950s family home in Düsseldorf. Its design significantly differs from typical houses of that time.
Haus Neiser represents a departure from pre-war styles. It showcases the evolution of family home architecture in Düsseldorf. For this reason, it has been designated as a protected monument. So, as you stand before Haus Neiser, remember its innovative spirit.