Hamburg's Emma & August quarter blends history with sustainable living
A new residential quarter called Emma & August has broken ground in Hamburg's Groß Borstel district. The project, which began construction in late 2024, will eventually include 278 apartments across two phases. The first watch, a 19-unit property named House 10, has already been sold to a German family office.
The Emma & August development sits on land with a varied past. Once a Baroque park, it later became an English-style landscape garden before serving industrial uses. Now, the site is being transformed into a modern living space with a focus on sustainability and community.
The first phase will deliver 116 apartments by summer 2026. These will range from market-rate units to subsidised and senior-friendly homes, alongside a daycare centre. A second phase will bring the total to 278 residences.
Energy efficiency is central to the design. Buildings will use double-shell masonry with brick façades to improve insulation and longevity. The entire quarter will run on a district-wide heat pump system, supported by solar panels, green roofs, and a rainwater retention setup.
A key feature of the project is its 'green heart'—a landscaped area with preserved trees. This space will act as a communal hub, adding to the neighbourhood's long-term appeal.
With House 10 already acquired, the Emma & August quarter is moving forward as planned. The mix of housing types, sustainable infrastructure, and green spaces aims to create a balanced living environment. Completion of the first apartments is expected by mid-2026.
