Revitalisation Dreischeibenhaus Düsseldorf
Our heritage, our responsibility
The Dreischeibenhaus is more than a building; it is a symbol of Düsseldorf and part of our DNA. Originally designed by the founders of HPP, subsequent generations have twice been responsible for its evolution. The three offset slices, the clear typology, the delicate curtainwall façade all of these elements make the building an icon of German postwar modernism. Today, it is listed and yet fully meets contemporary usage requirements.
HPP modernises HPP modernises HPP.
1960: Became an icon of post‑war modernism through its pioneering steel‑frame construction.
1994 and 2015: Two comprehensive refurbishments carried out while preserving its listed fabric.
Central landmark of Düsseldorf with 25 storeys and a height of 96 metres.
60% reduction in operating costs and improved energy efficiency through a heritage‑appropriate new double façade and renewal of building services.
Awardwinning: MIPIM Award 2015 “Best Refurbished Building”, LEED Gold certified.
With its emblematic character, the Dreischeibenhaus continues to fulfil its communicative and urbandesign role. As a solitary structure between the Hofgarten, the Schauspielhaus, and the newly developed KöBogen, it remains a significant architectural landmark. Not timeless, but continually contemporary.
The administrative building developed by Helmut Hentrich and Hubert Petschnigg for PhönixRheinrohr AG (from 1964 Thyssen) consists of three narrow, offset slices. Its steelframe construction was unprecedented in Europe at the time. The deliberately simple and clear glassaluminium curtain wall and the stainlesssteelclad end faces give the building an impact that extends far beyond Düsseldorf.
“The Dreischeibenhaus established HPP’s international reputation in 1960 and has since embodied our understanding of enduring architectural value.”
Joachim H. Faust, former Senior Partner HPP
In 2015, the Dreischeibenhaus was revitalised for the second time by HPP. Its structural clarity and high level of detail and material precision demonstrate resilience and adaptability: the former singletenant layout was transformed into a flexible multitenant configuration. Today, all office floors can be subdivided into up to two rental units per storey, accommodating cellular, combined or openplan office layouts. Building systems such as a bus system, daylightresponsive lighting and sensor technology create intelligent, useroriented work environments that meet high comfort standards.
The refurbishment was carried out “from the inside out” and without scaffolding, leaving the external appearance unchanged. The listed curtainwall façade was supplemented with a new inner layer, forming a double façade. It improves energy performance, enables manually operable windows, and windprotected ventilation. The shockresistant panes at the original window line preserve the familiar appearance.
By decentralising building services, approximately 1,200 m² of additional usable space was created. The upper floors, once technical zones, were transformed into bright offices and conference areas with access to two new roof terraces.
Its flexible structure, reuse of materials, and intelligent building systems make the Dreischeibenhaus a forerunner of resilient and adaptable highrise architecture. The refurbishment followed greenbuilding principles and was awarded LEED Gold certification. The new façade improves energy efficiency, reducing operating costs by around 60%.
- Project
- Revitalisation "Dreischeibenhaus"
- Location
- Düsseldorf
- Client
- Dreischeibenhaus GmbH & Co. KG c/o MOMENI
- GFA
- 49.750 m²
- Revitalization
- 2015
- Uses
- Office, gastronomy
- Awards
- MIPIM Award 2015 “Best Refurbished Building”, Balthasar Neumann Prize 2016, Award for Exemplary Buildings in NRW 2015
- Certifications
- LEED Gold
