Housing blocks in Hamburg - Architect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt; Photos: VELUX
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Architect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt

As the increasing population in cities calls for more apartments, refurbishments are crucial to accom-modating new inhabitants while avoiding an unlimited growth of the urbanised area.

Many attics, especially in buildings from the 50's to th 70's are an, until recently, unrecognised resource, but are now being converted into apartments. The necessity of densification meets the renovation demand, forming a great design opportunity.

Babic C. Tekeolgou’s office got a commission to refurbish three blocks of flats – each with 16 staircases – from the 30's in the northern outskirts of Hamburg. The buildings’ roofs were destroyed during WW2, in the course of makeshift repairs few apartments were added under the roof to provide living space in the carpet–bombed town. The task was to design mid-range rental apartments in the attic, as well as refurbish the floors below. In each block of flats, twelve 75 sqm apartments and eight studios of half the size were added..

Housing blocks in Hamburg with VELUX roof windowsArchitect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt; Photos: VELUX

Babis C. Tekeoglou

architect at BCT Architekt

Given my specialisation in attic refurbishments, I have done many projects with VELUX. Special shapes of the rooms, together with bright daylight, give amazing design opportunities

Housing blocks in Hamburg with VELUX roof windows
Architect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt; Photos: VELUX

Believing in the beauty of attic spaces, Babis C. Tekeoglou decided to keep their original qualities.

Each apartment was enhanced by a six meters long dormer with balconies in front of them. VELUX roof windows from both sides of the roof gable ensure bright daylight all through the day as well as natural cross–ventilation. Efficient, well-proportioned rooms with visual references between them and the abundance of sunlight are a true luxury in the otherwise modest flats.

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Housing blocks in Hamburg with VELUX roof windows
Architect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt; Photos: VELUX

The architect's collaboration with VELUX on the Lorichstrasse project did not just involve roof windows. VELUX provided visualisations and daylight analysis; and supported the construction with professional  installers setting up a show apartment where a wide range of product options were tested.

Although, not all of the ideas pictured on VELUX visualisations were executed, the dialogue inspired and had a positive influence on the project design.

Project details

Project: Housing blocks
Location: Hamburg, Germany 
Architect: Babis C. Tekeoglou, BCT Architekt, Hamburg 
Year: 2019
Photos: VELUX