Chilehaus
A ten-story Brick Expressionist office building in Hamburg.
The Chilehaus is a ten-story office building in Hamburg, Germany, located in the Kontorhaus District. Completed in 1924, it is a notable example of the 1920s Brick Expressionism style and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 as part of the Kontorhaus District.
- type
- Office building
- location
- Hamburg, Germany
- architect
- Fritz Höger
- completed
- 1924
- style
- Brick Expressionism
- UNESCO inscription
- 2015
- commissioned by
- Henry B. Sloman
Lore & Background
The Chilehaus was designed by German architect Fritz Höger and built between 1922 and 1924. It was commissioned by shipping magnate Henry B. Sloman, who made his fortune trading saltpeter from Chile, hence the name Chile House. The building is constructed on difficult terrain, requiring 16-meter-deep reinforced-concrete pilings for stability, and its cellar was specially sealed due to the proximity of the Elbe River. Heating equipment was built in a caisson that can float within the building to prevent damage from flooding.
Reader's Guide
The Chilehaus stands as a landmark of Brick Expressionism and a key component of Hamburg's Kontorhaus District, recognized by UNESCO in 2015. Its design, with a ship-prow-like top and sharp angular facades, exemplifies the architectural innovation of the 1920s. The building's construction during a period of hyperinflation underscores its historical and economic significance. Today, it is owned by Union Investment Real Estate AG and houses tenants such as the language school Instituto Cervantes. Its engineering solutions, including floating heating equipment and deep pilings, reflect adaptation to challenging site conditions near the Elbe River. The Chilehaus remains a prominent example of early 20th-century commercial architecture and a symbol of Hamburg's maritime trade heritage.
Did You Know?
- The building is named after Chile because its commissioner, Henry B. Sloman, made his fortune trading saltpeter from Chile.
- It was built with 4.8 million dark Oldenburg bricks.
- The heating equipment is housed in a caisson that can float to avoid flood damage.
- The building hosted two sets of paternoster lifts before being modernized in 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilehaus and where is it located?
It is a ten-story office building standing in Hamburg's Kontorhaus District, completed in 1924 as a bold example of 1920s Brick Expressionism.
Who designed the Chilehaus?
Fritz Höger was the architect responsible for the building's distinctive form and brick detailing.
When did Chilehaus become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It received its UNESCO inscription in 2015, listed not as a standalone monument but as part of the broader Kontorhaus District ensemble.
What makes Chilehaus's architecture stand out?
Its sculptural brickwork and expressive massing give it an almost organic, sculpted quality that set it apart from the more conventional office structures of its era.
What was Chilehaus originally built for?
It was constructed as a commercial office building to house business and administrative functions within Hamburg's historic trading quarter.
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