Röbbek Four

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is actively promoting new residential construction sites with its housing development plan. One part of this is the ‘Competition of Ideas’ process, which aims to develop potential areas for housing construction.

WBRE successfully participated in this process with the old school in Groß Flottbek, which had stood empty for years. Together with Jo Landwehr from the architectural firm LH Architekten, a concept was developed that blends in sensitively with the village-like surroundings. Twelve flats in the historic school building, seven townhouses, four villas and a boarding house with a café were planned. The Röbbekhof forms the centrepiece of the ensemble. The concept won over the city and prevailed against several bidders.

The site was originally designated as a school area and had to be extensively rezoned. Following the successful completion of the planning process, WBRE took over the entire project management, from planning and marketing concept to buyer support, including change management.

The project development posed technical challenges: the area lies above a salt dome at a depth of around 200 metres, which can cause subsidence. The solution: a second foundation level that can be adjusted as required using hydraulic pumps. The old building structure also required extensive re-foundation and steel construction work. The construction work was carried out on an individual contract basis.

With the completion of the boarding house as the final construction phase, WBRE provided comprehensive support for the project from the initial idea through to realisation – including financing, marketing and construction management. Particularly pleasing: the original concept idea was fully realised together with the purchasers.