The Afrikahaus stands on Große Reichenstraße as a prominent example of Hamburg's traditional Kontorhaus architecture. Completed in eighteen ninety-nine by the architect Martin Haller, the building is recognizable by its facade, which…
Kontorhaus District Brick Giants
Walk with me through Hamburg's UNESCO-listed Kontorhaus District to stand before the colossal clinker brick office palaces built by roaring-twenties trade barons.
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1. Afrikahaus
2. MIRAMAR HAUS
The Miramar Haus features a rounded corner that sweeps where Schopenstehl and Kattrepel streets meet at an acute angle. Built between nineteen twenty-one and nineteen twenty-four by architect Max Bach, this six-story office building was…
3. Montanhof
The Montanhof stands out for its jagged, offset façade that mimics the pleats of an accordion. Built between nineteen twenty-four and nineteen twenty-six, this clinker brick office building was designed by architects Hermann Distel and…
4. Mohlenhof
The Mohlenhof is a ten-story office building recognized by its smooth, flat clinker brick façade and simple, incised windows. Completed in nineteen twenty-eight, it was designed by architects Rudolf Klophaus, August Schoch, and Erich zu…
5. Sprinkenhof
The Sprinkenhof is a massive nine-story office complex identifiable by its facade of dark, diamond-patterned brickwork. Rows of red-glazed terracotta knobs are embedded directly into the walls, featuring relief carvings of sailing ships,…
6. Chilehaus
The Chilehaus is defined by a sharp, eastern corner that extends into the street like the prow of a massive ship. Completed in nineteen twenty-four, this ten-story office building was designed by architect Fritz Höger using approximately…
7. Messberghof
The Messberghof stands out for its calm, flat facade of dark-red fired clinker bricks, a starkly minimalist appearance compared to the elaborate, expressive masonry of its neighbor, the Chilehaus. Built between nineteen twenty-three and…