What's Possible Inside: Three Living Spaces, Three Creative Concepts
A historic penthouse in Frankfurt’s former Telegraph Office has been transformed into a modern living space while preserving its 19th-century charm. Designed by Superunique Architects, the 120-square-metre apartment faced unique challenges, including low-hanging steel beams and a protected wrought-iron roof structure. The result blends subtle elegance with nods to the building’s past.
The project, developed by Zumtobel Group under the name Börsenhaus, centred on Penthouse A in the renovated Telegraph Office at Börseplatz. The building’s listed roof, crafted by Ignaz Gridl in the 1800s, required careful handling. Its steel beams, dipping as low as 1.6 metres, initially seemed to limit the space’s usability.
Rather than conceal the beams, the architects turned them into a focal point. Adjustable LED strips were installed to cast dramatic shadows, creating a striking visual effect. The beams’ greenish tint also inspired the apartment’s colour palette, subtly woven into the light-toned furniture and decor. Further tying the design to the building’s history, Morse code was engraved into the wood panelling. This detail honours the site’s original function as a telegraph hub. The overall aesthetic balances soft textures with clean lines, ensuring the space feels both contemporary and timeless. Botzow Architekten (Berlin) collaborated on the structural aspects, while Superunique led the interior vision. Completed between 2020 and 2022, the penthouse now stands as a thoughtful blend of preservation and innovation.
The renovation of Penthouse A demonstrates how historic constraints can inspire modern design. By integrating the building’s industrial past—from steel beams to Morse code—the architects created a cohesive, elegant space. The project also sets a precedent for adaptive reuse in Frankfurt’s architectural landscape.
