Side Hotel

Completion: 2001

Size: 11,500 m2

AWARDS:

2002 BDA Hamburg Prize for Architecture 1st Prize

2002 AIV Prize 1st Prize

2002 Hotel forum

2002 Die Hotelimmobilie, 3rd Prize

Alsop Architects

The luxury five-star SIDE Hotel is situated in the heart of Hamburg between the Gänsemarkt Square and the National Opera close to the Binnenalster, only a few minutes walk from the art and cultural centre of Hamburg. With its distinctive architecture and fit-out this hotel sets itself apart from the usual Hamburg Hotels. It is very much a luxury hotel for the 21st Century: a 12-floor lifestyle experience for the individual traveller to Hamburg.

The central feature of the Hotel is the 30m-high entrance lobby atrium incorporating an illuminated installation by New York light choreographer Robert Wilson. Two full-height lighting fields dominate this space, ever changing in a calming sequence.

The hotel facade features a combination of glass and nature stone that stretches across all 12 floors. A glazed angular volume forms the urban block facing the street, its double skin serves as both thermal and noise barrier. Within the skin cavity colourful, gently-lit sun screens create an animated presence within its surroundings. A further volume clad in light green natural stone cantilevers over and above this block, accommodating the hotel suites that provide stunning views across the city of Hamburg.

Hotel facilities include a generous roof terrace, conference facilities, media lounge, library as well as the restaurant “Fusion” and a wellness area with pool, steam room, fitness and massage facilities. The automated mechanical car parking system has capacity for 100 vehicles.