Hamburg is not usually thought of as a solar mecca, but the Hanseatic city recorded an impressive 720 hours of sunshine during the record summer of 2018. Nevertheless, it rained for a whole 133 days, including at the site of the redevelopment project in Greifswalder Strasse. For the new ETICS facade, the designers opted not only for clinker brick slips, with their proven weather-resistance, but also for a striking, vibrant look. They decided on the expressive "Kontur CG Sandbrand" from the German clinker and ceramics specialist Ströher. Its expressiveness lies above all in its innovative production, in which traditional clinker manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art surface technology are combined to create the so-called "Fusion Finish".

The result fits perfectly into the lively and oldest area of Hamburg, St. Georg. Situated parallel to the popular shopping street "Lange Reihe", the 1,600 m2 facade of the residential complex clad in clinker brick slips blends in authentically with the neighbourhood's brick architecture: the Romanesque St Mary's Cathedral is just around the corner. Another stone's throw away is the birthplace of actor Hans Albers, known as "blond Hans", who apparently only came from St. Pauli according to legend.

Although sensitively adapted to suit its historic context, the beautifully profiled and bright clinker facade of the building still brings a breath of fresh air to the centre of Hamburg. The project in Greifswalder Strasse is also architecturally impressive, with fine structural contouring and elegant details. Simply beautiful - come rain or shine.