Arne Jacobsen Haus in Hamburg: revitalisation unites architectural heritage and future vision
18 August 2025
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- Turnkey revitalisation of the listed Arne Jacobsen Haus in Hamburg
- Resource-efficient construction and energy-efficiency measures reduce CO₂ emissions
In the heart of Hamburg’s City Nord district, a project is taking shape that bridges architectural heritage and future-forward thinking. Acting on behalf of AJH GmbH, STRABAG subsidiary ZÜBLIN is carrying out the turnkey revitalisation of the listed Arne Jacobsen Haus. Once the headquarters of Hamburg’s municipal electricity works (HEW) and a landmark in its own right, the building is being redeveloped into a modern New Work complex – all while preserving the distinctive character instilled in it by world-renowned architect Arne Jacobsen and his partner Otto Weitling.
Preserving the past, building the future
Completed in 1969, the high-rise has impressed for decades with its clean lines, minimal forms and richly detailed interior design. Now, more than half a century later, a new chapter is beginning. This project will create a place of identity and inspiration – a space that puts the needs of modern working environments front and centre: versatile, sustainable and creative.
“With the Arne Jacobsen Haus, we’re not only revitalising an iconic architectural landmark – we’re creating space for the working world of tomorrow. We take great pride in applying our expertise in refurbishing existing buildings to make a meaningful contribution to society: conserving resources, reducing CO₂ emissions and enhancing efficiency. Projects like this demonstrate how modernisation can bring together economic viability, environmental responsibility and visionary thinking,” says Jörg Rösler, Member of the Management Board of STRABAG SE.
Martin E. Schaer, Managing Director of MATRIX Real Estate GmbH, adds: “Preserving brilliance, creating the future – this has been our guiding principle since 2019 as we’ve transformed the Arne Jacobsen Haus into a modern office building that meets the demands of New Work and sustainability. Our goal is to preserve the architectural and functional quality of this design classic while creating a contemporary working environment. We are delighted to have found an expert partner in Ed. Züblin AG to help realise this complex undertaking.”
Following a successful planning phase under the TEAMCONCEPT partnering model, ZÜBLIN is now implementing the redevelopment as general contractor. Construction is already under way. All structural works are being carried out in accordance with stringent listed-building requirements: the entire façade of the 13-storey high-rise is being dismantled and replaced with a modern, energy-efficient envelope, true to the original design. Inside, pollutant removal is taking place. Minor shell adaptations are being made, and the fit-out will cover approx. 50,000 m² of gross floor area. Selected areas will remain in their original condition or be faithfully reconstructed in line with conservation guidelines.
As part of its Strategy 2030, STRABAG has committed to resource-efficient and sustainable construction. One key objective of the European Green Deal is to make all buildings in the EU climate-neutral by 2050. STRABAG sees this as both a responsibility and a major opportunity. With a focus on existing buildings, the company aims to address increasing resource scarcity and land consumption – and to contribute to the decarbonisation of the construction sector.
At the Arne Jacobsen Haus, too, the use of resource-efficient construction methods and energy-saving measures is actively reducing carbon emissions – a strong signal in favour of sustainable construction in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
Preserving the past, building the future
Completed in 1969, the high-rise has impressed for decades with its clean lines, minimal forms and richly detailed interior design. Now, more than half a century later, a new chapter is beginning. This project will create a place of identity and inspiration – a space that puts the needs of modern working environments front and centre: versatile, sustainable and creative.
“With the Arne Jacobsen Haus, we’re not only revitalising an iconic architectural landmark – we’re creating space for the working world of tomorrow. We take great pride in applying our expertise in refurbishing existing buildings to make a meaningful contribution to society: conserving resources, reducing CO₂ emissions and enhancing efficiency. Projects like this demonstrate how modernisation can bring together economic viability, environmental responsibility and visionary thinking,” says Jörg Rösler, Member of the Management Board of STRABAG SE.
Martin E. Schaer, Managing Director of MATRIX Real Estate GmbH, adds: “Preserving brilliance, creating the future – this has been our guiding principle since 2019 as we’ve transformed the Arne Jacobsen Haus into a modern office building that meets the demands of New Work and sustainability. Our goal is to preserve the architectural and functional quality of this design classic while creating a contemporary working environment. We are delighted to have found an expert partner in Ed. Züblin AG to help realise this complex undertaking.”
Following a successful planning phase under the TEAMCONCEPT partnering model, ZÜBLIN is now implementing the redevelopment as general contractor. Construction is already under way. All structural works are being carried out in accordance with stringent listed-building requirements: the entire façade of the 13-storey high-rise is being dismantled and replaced with a modern, energy-efficient envelope, true to the original design. Inside, pollutant removal is taking place. Minor shell adaptations are being made, and the fit-out will cover approx. 50,000 m² of gross floor area. Selected areas will remain in their original condition or be faithfully reconstructed in line with conservation guidelines.
As part of its Strategy 2030, STRABAG has committed to resource-efficient and sustainable construction. One key objective of the European Green Deal is to make all buildings in the EU climate-neutral by 2050. STRABAG sees this as both a responsibility and a major opportunity. With a focus on existing buildings, the company aims to address increasing resource scarcity and land consumption – and to contribute to the decarbonisation of the construction sector.
At the Arne Jacobsen Haus, too, the use of resource-efficient construction methods and energy-saving measures is actively reducing carbon emissions – a strong signal in favour of sustainable construction in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
