German firm starts retrofit of Hamburg’s Arne Jacobsen Haus

The Arne Jacobsen Haus in Hamburg, Germany. Image courtesy Strabag

The project, which received an investment of more than €200 million (US$233 million) in 2022, is for leasing agency AJH, with Matrix Real Estate acting as development partner.

Originally completed in 1969 as the headquarters of the Hamburg electricity works, the 13-storey tower is regarded as a landmark of post-war modernism. It was designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen and his partner Otto Weitling.

German-based Züblin is acting as general contractor following a planning phase under an early-contractor-involvement partnering model.

The project is a deep retrofit. Züblin will dismantle and rebuild the façade as an energy-efficient envelope true to the original design. Inside, crews are removing hazardous materials and carrying out minor shell modifications, which will be followed by a full refit of about 50,000m² to modern office standards. Some interiors will be preserved or faithfully reconstructed under conservation rules.

Jörg Rösler, management board member at Strabag, said the project demonstrates how “modernisation can bring together economic viability, environmental responsibility and visionary thinking.”

Matrix Real Estate managing director Martin E. Schaer added that the aim is to “preserve the architectural and functional quality of this design classic while creating a contemporary working environment.”

Construction is under way, with completion expected in the coming years.

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