Schanzenupgrade

Project type: Rooftop Extension / Urban Densification

Location: Schanzenviertel, Hamburg, Germany

Year: 2002–2004

Architect: spine architects

Schanzenupgrade

Hamburg, Germany | 2002–2004

Located in Hamburg's vibrant Schanzenviertel, Schanzenupgrade explores the potential of urban densification by adding new living space on top of an existing 1950s residential building. Instead of expanding the city outward, the project demonstrates how carefully designed rooftop extensions can create high-quality housing within established neighbourhoods.

The lightweight addition provides approximately 175 m² of flexible residential space that can be configured as one, two or three apartments. Large open floor plans without internal load-bearing walls allow the layout to adapt to changing user needs, ranging from loft-style living to more traditional room configurations.

A defining architectural feature is the gently curved translucent façade, constructed from cold-bent multiwall polycarbonate panels mounted on a galvanized steel structure. Besides giving the building a distinctive identity, the façade filters daylight, improves privacy and contributes to the building's environmental performance.

The upper setback level opens onto a generous rooftop terrace overlooking the adjacent park, creating an elevated outdoor living space that functions as a "garden above the city." The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully transform existing buildings while increasing urban density and residential quality.