Vertikum
caspar./HGEsch

Elegant corner property offering office and commercial space

caspar. as Architects

As you drive through the Kö-Bogen Tunnel in Düsseldorf from north to south, you'll emerge near St. John's Church, greeted by a short, sudden, expansive view that might catch you by surprise. Since 2023, the Vertikum has stood prominently at this location, evoking a small "Manhattan moment" reminiscent of New York's Flatiron Building with its bold wedge shape and strong verticality. Of course, at nine floors, the height is relative – Düsseldorf is no Manhattan nor does it pretend to be anything other than Düsseldorf. And this is exactly what the Vertikum stands for with its powerful presence.

photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch
photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch
photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch
photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch

The Vertikum is an office building with retail space on the ground floor. Positioned on a trapezoidal plot at the forefront of the building block, this project was viewed as a minimally invasive form of urban repair, playing an important mediating role within the cityscape. The Vertikum asserts itself through a classic emphasis on the corner, while the facade's geometry and materiality create a strong and clear visual identity. The shell around the reinforced concrete structure does not give away any space; it fully encloses the building from sidewalk to parapet and tightly around the curved corners, without sacrifying depth. Utilizing three primary materials – Jura Poros (a light natural stone); narrow black-gray aluminium profiules, and glass – the facade achieves a striking yet refined appearance through the consistent repetition of an adaptive grid. The stone structure, which has been reduced to a minimum horizontally, appears delicate and refined through its handcrafted details. 

photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch
photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch
photo_credit caspar./HGEsch
caspar./HGEsch

The vertical structure is classically composed: the plinth combines the ground and first floors, adding visual weight through double-height spaces. Similarly, the crown, comprising the 7th and 8th floors forms a sweeping retreat from the neighboring structure. A nice bonus is the roof terrace nestled within the protected intermediate space.

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ElementBrand
ManufacturersBolia International
ManufacturersEge Carpets
ManufacturersHofmann Naturstein GmbH & Co. KG
ManufacturersWeitzer Parquet
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