Consider the year 1928. Haus Runge stands before you a testament to conservative style in turbulent times. This house, located at Kirchbachstra\u00dfe 213A, is in Bremen’s Schwachhausen district. Specifically, it’s in the Gete neighborhood.
Haus Runge was designed by Alfred Runge himself. He worked with his firm Runge & Scotland. The house reflects Runge’s architectural vision. It also showcases the aesthetic preferences of the Interwar period.
Alfred Runge was a member of the Heimatschutz movement. This conservative group influenced his designs. Runge designed both residential and commercial buildings. His firm became known for its work on Bremen’s B\u00f6ttcherstra\u00dfe. They created iconic buildings like Haus Atlantis. Other notable works include Haus der Sieben Faulen. Do not forget Haus des Glockenspiels and Haus St. Petrus.
The architectural style includes wood cladding. Notice the steeply pitched gable roof. It has extensive shingles. Also note the large roof overhang.
Today Haus Runge is somewhat hidden. Newer, multi-story post-war buildings surround it. Despite this, its historical significance remains.
Haus Runge gained official recognition in 1992. It received Bremer Denkmalschutz. This designation protects it as a historical monument.
Runge & Scotland significantly shaped Bremen’s architectural landscape. Besides Haus Runge they designed buildings in B\u00f6ttcherstra\u00dfe. One example is the Haus des Glockenspiels.
The Haus des Glockenspiels originally housed the Bremen-Amerika-Bank. Ludwig Roselius founded the bank. The building’s facade facing B\u00f6ttcherstrasse has traditional shapes. It also makes use of historical materials.
Runge & Scotland harmonized two buildings with uniform heights. Despite this, the facade reveals two separate properties. Sandstone edgings and varying window sizes show the original structures.
The windows are grouped and decrease in height. Narrow stringcourses indicate storey heights. Wall projections mark the boundaries of the former house.
The Glockenspiel itself has 30 bells made of Meissen porcelain. These are installed on a metal frame. The carillon became a tourist attraction. Ludwig Roselius installed it after being inspired in Dresden.
The Glockenspiel features moving figures. These figures depict tales of Atlantic crossings. Leif Erikson and the Zeppelin are represented. The original carillon was destroyed in World War II. A new carillon with white bells was installed in 1954.
The building was renamed Haus des Glockenspiels. The bank ceased operations in 1942. The name change likely occurred around 1946 or 1947.
Alfred Runge left a lasting impact on Bremen. His designs reflected the spirit of his time. Haus Runge stands as a reminder of his architectural legacy. It is a piece of Bremen’s history. Preserved for future generations to appreciate.