Elbtower

Building site is located at the Elbe bridges. In this prominent location, HafenCity GmbH would like to create a new landmark for Hamburg, which would both give the people of Hamburg a sense of identification and, alongside the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, represent a new tourist magnet.

The specification was for a mixed-use building ensemble visible from all directions with a specific sculptural effect. The architectural and utilization concept was to follow the guiding themes already defined in the development of HafenCity: proportion of open space, horizontal and vertical mix of uses, and sustainability.
WBRE, together with the architectural firm gmp from Singapore, took up this challenge of aesthetics, functionality and efficiency and developed and presented the “Tide-Tower”.
The name Tide-Tower is intended to unite the different faces of the Hanseatic city: the open tidal harbor that Hamburgers love so much as well as the internationality of the port city that welcomes everyone with open arms. Derived from its unique location – between the steel Elbe bridges, the new underground and suburban train stations with their steel and glass roofs, and the harbor – the sculpturally shaped building ensemble, consisting of a tall and a smaller high-rise, is given an innovative steel construction and a modern steel and glass façade that replicates the structure. The urban context (genius loci) thus forms the basis for the construction and appearance of the new Elbtower.

In addition to a design and architectural concept, a utilization concept was presented that takes into account the required versatility. Areas and rooms for entertainment, retail, gastronomy, services, hotels with conference rooms, wellness and sports, and even a publicly accessible Skygarden were planned, and initial expressions of interest from operators were obtained.