Investor chosen for IBA project “Maritime living on the Kaufhaus canal”

The important step for the implementation of the IBA project "Maritime living on the Kaufhaus canal" has now been taken with the choice of investor and builder.

In the first stage of the construction, Behrendt Wohnungsbau KG (GmbH & Co.) is to build 60 apartments on the municipal site between Harburg's Schloßstrasse and the Kaufhaus canal by the end of 2014. Work is due to commence in the summer of 2013. The project was designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) of Copenhagen, which was unanimously voted the winner of a peer review in 2009. A total of 130 apartments are to be built on the Kaufhaus canal.

This project represents the "leap" over the Süderelbe and into the Harburg district for the Hamburg housing developer Behrendt Wohnungsbau.

Hamburg, 20 September 2012 - "The idyllic location on the Kaufhaus canal and proximity to the Channel Varbug vis à vis Harburg's old town really appeals to us. With their checkerboard urban plan and sculptural design language, the Danish architects have impressively reinterpreted this neighbourhood with its old, crooked protected timber-framed buildings and enrich the traditional and upcoming Harburg inland port with another attraction," said Dr. Jan Behrendt of Behrendt Wohnungsbau KG.

"I am delighted and proud that IBA is able to carry out this project despite the challenging conditions. This is thanks to the support of the Helm Museum and the extraordinarily close co-operation with the authorities. The fiscal authority, property management, Ministry of Urban Development and Environment, and the district authority Harburg have together removed many stumbling blocks, and the project is now underway. We have found a competent and reliable partner in Behrendt Wohnungsbau KG (GmbH & Co.), and are happy to see this project, which is of such importance for Harburg, in this company's hands," said IBA managing director Uli Hellweg.

In the first section of the IBA project "Maritime living on the Kaufhaus canal", 60 apartments with a gross floor area of some 7000 m² are to be completed by the end of 2014. Work is due to commence in the summer of 2013. Preparatory archaeological excavations and ordnance explorations are already being carried out on the site. The second construction stage will also be carried out by Behrendt Wohnungsbau KG (GmbH & Co.), and is to start in 2014.

Finance councillor Jans Lattmann: "Hamburg is leaping over the Elbe - and the fiscal authority is right there with them. We are delighted that the municipal site beside the Kaufhaus canal has been passed on to the reliable investor who is to build a total of 130 apartments in an IBA building project. The path to this point wasn't always easy, but as the historic nucleus of Harburg, its inland port deserved to have everyone adhere to the implementation of the project with commitment, patience and endurance. We hope that this step will be the first of many that gradually transform Harburg's inland port, together with the development of Harburg's Castle Island, into modern and vibrant living and working quarters."

This project development is of particular importance to Harburg's inland port. The project area "Maritime living by the Kaufhaus canal" is on Harburg's historic "Schloßstraße", the "Castle Road", and connects Harburg's Castle Island with the City. Once the new homes have been built on the neighbouring Castle Island, the southern part of the inland port, which is currently mainly used as offices, will be an urban, lively and varied area with commercial and residential uses.

Because of the exclusive architecture and its location in an area of historic importance, this project has a very special role.

As Thomas Völsch, Harburg's Chief District Officer, said, "The positive development of Harburg's nucleus with its combination of living, working and industry will continue with this project. It combines Harburg's history with the present, and will create an attractive residential area in a location that is close to the heart of the city."

The municipal site is right beside the Kaufhaus canal in Harburg's inland port, and is now to be developed into an attractive residential area in a maritime setting. The design by the Bjarke Ingels Group BIG of Copenhagen, which produced the winning design in cooperation with Topotek 1 Landschaftsarchitekten of Berlin, is for twelve cuboid houses with unusual roofs and differently-shaped free areas between the canal and historic timber-framed buildings.

In order to incorporate many of the listed buildings around Harburg's "Schloßstrasse" in the area, the checkerboard design is being used for the entire building area. Built-on areas can alternate with various free areas, creating public, freely accessible areas by the water, and private or semi-open spaces on the inside.

Architecturally innovative residential buildings will be built on this checkerboard-like basic structure. The traditional saddle roof will be replaced by a saddle roof with a ridge that runs diagonally over the building area. The roofs will be aligned to the sun in order to achieve the maximum energy benefits. The tall edge of the building will be aligned to the noisy areas for maximum noise protection.

The International Building Exhibition IBA Hamburg will be carrying out three further building projects for over 200 apartments, a park, two public areas and a pedestrian bridge over the Lotse canal on the adjoining Castle Island.

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In the event of any queries please contact:

IBA Hamburg GmbH, Kristina Hödl, Director Press Office, kristina.hoedl@iba-hamburg.de ,tel. 040 2262 27335, or Anna Vietinghoff, Press Office, anna.vietinghoff@iba-hamburg.de, tel. 040 226 227331 or presse@iba-hamburg.de

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