Chilehaus

Hamburg, Germany

The Chilehaus is a ten-story office building in Hamburg. It is an exceptional example of the 1920s Brick Expressionism style of architecture. The Chilehaus was designed by the architect Fritz Höger and built between 1922 and 1924. It was commissioned by the shipping magnate Henry B. Sloman, who made his fortune trading saltpeter from Chile, hence the name Chile House. The cost of construction is difficult to determine, as the Chile House was built during the period of hyperinflation that struck Germany during the early 1920s, but is estimated to have been more than 10 million reichsmark.

The Chilehaus building is famed for its top, which is reminiscent of a ship's prow, and the facades, which meet at a very sharp angle at the corner of the Pumpen- and Niedernstrasse. The best view of the building is from the east. Because of the accentuated vertical elements and the recessed upper stories, as well as the curved facade on the Pumpen street, the building has, despite its enormous size, a touch of lightness.

The building has a reinforced concrete structure and has been built with the use of 4.8 million dark Oldenburg bricks. The building is constructed on very difficult terrain, so to gain stability it was necessary to build on 16-meter-deep reinforced-concrete pilings.

The location's close vicinity to the Elbe River necessitated a specially sealed cellar, and heating equipment was constructed in a caisson that can float within the building, so the equipment can't be damaged in the event of flooding.

The sculptural elements in the staircases and on the facade were provided by the sculptor Richard Kuöhl.

The building hosts one of the few remaining working paternosters in the world.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1922-1924
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Germany
Historical period: Weimar Republic (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nurgul Dereli (2 years ago)
According to sources, it is an exceptional example of the 1920s Brick Expressionism style. This expansive building occupies an area of ​​approximately 6,000 m² covering Fischertwiete Street in Hamburg. ?
Irina Kravchuk (3 years ago)
Beautiful famous brick building in the Kontorhaus District. A great example of Brick Expressionism style. It has a very nice inner courtyard. Located near the Speicherstadt. Nearby, there is one more beautiful brick building with inner courtyard - Sprinkenhof. As a part of the Kontorhaus District, it's a parrt of the UNESCO Heritage.
Dennis Smalley (King Buddah) (3 years ago)
This is simply an amazing piece of architecture. Built in 1922 it is one of the best examples in europe of the expressionist style. In the hallway the original listing of companies, over 250 in number is on display. There was no e try to the upper floors. The view of the building from street level sees the building resembling a huge ship. A very unique building.
muc JWT (3 years ago)
The neue stadt is basically all put together with the buildings of this style. Red brick building with nice shapes and sleek curves. Arkitecture is more art than science
Malcolm See (3 years ago)
Nice buildings to take in the views and reflect the architecture differences between the housing in various countries. Definitely hope to see more houses designed in such ways.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.