MODERNIZATION District Rungestieg

My Bricks, my Block

Hardly any other district in Hamburg is as emblematic of brick as Barmbek. Located between the Stadtpark and the Osterbek Canal, this former working-class district is anything but monotonous: shaped by the signature of Fritz Schumacher, who worked in Hamburg until 1933, the buildings reveal a diverse design language with surrounding balconies, bay windows and ornamentation. The brick apartment block on Rungestieg was also built in the 1930s. Originally designed as a three- or four-storey block development with an internal row, the renovation of the buildings over the years has led to an extensive restructuring of the interior in some cases. Today, there is even a neighborhood office integrated into the Rungestieg quarter.

Project: Renovation of Rungestieg perimeter block
Client: SAGA
Service: 1-8 HOAI
Area: 16.900 m² GFA
Location: Hamburg Barmbek
Photography: Martin Lukas Kim

Small apartments were yesterday

The apartments were originally designed as small units with a large number of one-bedroom apartments, which no longer meet today's housing requirements. There were hardly any larger apartments with three rooms. As part of the renovation work, apartments were therefore combined and attic areas were converted. The result was an adapted and varied mix of apartments with a total of 260 apartments and two commercial units. Additional balconies were also added, mainly on the courtyard side, to increase living comfort.

With the revitalization of the Rungestieg estate, we have kissed Sleeping Beauty awake. It is much more than a visual upgrade, it is a sustainable investment in future-oriented living.

Aesthetics and function go hand in hand

The existing color and material concept was carefully revised. While the brickwork structure on the street façades, including the gray window and staircase elements, was restored, the inner courtyard façades and the gable end of the Rungestieg were given a new plaster structure. The balcony systems were deliberately positioned in the inner courtyard and not on the street façades in order to preserve the character of the perimeter block development. The choice of white plaster has also created a friendly, bright inner courtyard with green spaces and play areas that offer a variety of recreational qualities.

The building services also got a makeover

All installations, from the heating to the electrics, were modernised. The old gas-fuelled heating and hot water systems were replaced by district heating transfer stations. In addition, the ventilation system with heat recovery fulfils the latest energy standards.

Redesign of the outdoor areas

The inner courtyards and front gardens have been completely redesigned. The flats on the ground floor now benefit from covered terraces, while the routing has been optimised. Waste disposal and parking requirements have also been covered and modernised. The front garden wall has been given a brick look to match the new colour and material concept. The edge of the block thus appears to have grown together with its surroundings and emphasises the solidity that the building material brick naturally radiates.

Voices from the team

The redesign of the Rungestieg is a prime example of sustainable urban development and the careful treatment of existing buildings.

Holger

It was important to us to preserve the historical substance of the neighbourhood and at the same time create modern living space that meets today's needs.

Marina