| The challenge:
dealing with the dangers of flooding |
| The historic warehouse buildings along the 50th quay of
the Hansa harbour in Hamburg are subject to a preservation order – and, except
for no. 51B, are within the bounds of a flood wall. In the case of this already
very damaged building at threat of flooding, we had to find a design where the
usage could work alongside the risk of flooding. |
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| The design: raising the centre of gravity |
| The next flood will
inevitably arrive – however, the life of warehouse 51B and its use will go on.
Like all of the buildings along the 50th quay, number 51B consists of a front
façade building serving all administrative |
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| purposes and the body of the warehouse. In
order to deal with the danger of flooding, all areas of permanent usage, such as
offices, are located on the upper floors of the front façade building. |
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| The charm of the historic buildings has been
retained in the restored space. The impressive top floor is used as a study
centre and offers a unique view over the harbour landscape. In order to avoid
installing complicated flood gates, the ground floor is only used for temporary
events. |
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