Architects

Kitzmann Architekten
Location
Langenhorner Chaussee 384, 22419 Hamburg, Germany
Architect in Charge
Kitzmann Architekten
Area
5740.0 sqm
Project Year
2014
Photographs
Kitzmann Architekten With Heiner Leiska
More SpecsLess Specs
From the architect. Founded in 2008, the Joachim Herz Foundation is one oft he l
argest foundations in Germany. With resources of 1.3 billion Euros the main obje
ctive is to promote education, science and research.Since the 1970s, a former co
ffee roastery was the office of Joachim Herz, an entrepreneur from Hamburg. Germ
any. In the 1990s, he modificated the old roasting-tower into a modern office. A
fter his death in 2008 the tower remained the heart and home of the Joachim Herz
Foundation.
The new headquarter was built in 2014 on the site of the old coffee roastery. Th
e production halls were teared down, but the 25 m (82 ft) high roasting-tower re
mained and was integrated into the new ensemble both creatively and functionally
. The 3-storey building surrounds the roasting-tower like a meander, that create
s a stimulating tension between the old tower and the new house.
The new building is divided into an eastern and a western part, which is connect
ed by a bridge in the second level. Thereby a semi-public patio arises. From her
e you are able toenter the 2-storey entrance hall. On the ground floor you find
function rooms, an auditorium, conference rooms and a library. In the western pa
rt of the ground floor the cafete- ria opens up to a generous lake terrace and a
newly designed garden.
The offices on the upper floors have corridors with glass partition walls and ro
om-high windows which creates a generous atmosphere with natural light. The inte
rvisibility with the courtyards, the consistent materials and the reluctant colo
r scheme give a calm atmosphere.The facade manufactured of precision precast con
crete segments give the building a spatial depth.After the existing buildings we
re demolished the outdoor installation were transformed into a 700 m2 (7.535 ft2
) garden with a large lake.

Project Link: http://www.archdaily.com/789055/joachim-herz-foundation-kitzmann-a

rchitekten