Conversion of the Commerzbank High Rise Düsseldorf
High Rise Icon in a New Light
The former Commerzbank high‑rise on Kasernenstraße in Düsseldorf has been comprehensively revitalised after years of vacancy, in close coordination with heritage authorities, and converted into a hotel with 206 rooms. The transformation of the high‑rise building, built between 1959 and 1962 to the designs of Paul Schneider‑Esleben, not only preserves its architectural identity but also allows it to be experienced anew through its contemporary use.
Transformation of a pioneering post‑war modernist building
Load‑bearing structure, façade and historic interior elements preserved and made tangible as witnesses of their time
206 hotel rooms created through the conversion
689 elements of Germany’s first unitised high‑rise façade refurbished and reinstalled
Roof terrace and bar in the lobby now open the building to the public
Germany’s first unitised high‑rise façade was inspired by aircraft construction. The prefabricated, anodised aluminium panels are distinguished by their characteristically rounded window openings and could be mounted without additional framing. During the refurbishment, the elements were removed, restored and integrated into new façade units. Today, the façade meets modern standards of energy efficiency and comfort while retaining its external appearance.
Beyond the façade, the six‑metre‑high open ground‑floor level is a defining architectural feature. This is enabled by the structural system, which is not only a static framework but also part of the architectural expression. A central reinforced‑concrete mega‑beam supports the twelve upper storeys via three prominent shear‑wall columns. The building’s seemingly floating character is preserved through the revitalisation, and the construction principle is made perceptible from inside and outside through the new transparent glass façade.
Where Germany’s first drive‑in bank counter once represented modernity, an open foyer with a bar now opens the building to the public. Former circulation areas have been integrated into the spatial and functional concept. As a result, the former bank headquarters becomes an urban meeting place and revitalises the surrounding neighbourhood.
In the midst of the dense inner city, a detailed logistics concept for material delivery and storage was developed. Planning and site management at HPP were closely intertwined. Many solutions were devised directly on site, integrative, agile and in dialogue with all stakeholders. Digital tools supported process coordination and enabled efficient implementation despite the complexity of the existing structure.
- Project
- Conversion of the Commerzbank High Rise
- Location
- Düsseldorf
- Client
- KONDUS ERSTE Immobilienbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, repre-sented by Hines Immobilien GmbH
- GFA
- 7.700 m²
- Revitalization
- 2021
- Awards
- Hotel Property of the Year 2021; FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Germany 2021 (Gold, Commercial Category)
- Certifications
- DGNB Gold
