Geiseler, Das Pförtnerhaus
The Art of unionität
A. Geiseler & B. Gergull
Das Pförtnerhaus
For those who arrive before they enter
„Anyone who is just looking for ways is wrong here – this house is the first proof that beauty often lies in the details.“
Anyone who enters Union-Gelände the Hanauer Landstraße is greeted by a structure that charmingly ignores all expectations of an ordinary control booth. It is not a replaceable container or a sterile purpose-built structure on a drawing board. Instead, here stands a small, slate-colored monolith of Corten steel. A sculptural solitary that deliberately defies the strict right angles of its surroundings.
The special thing about this „rusty gate“ is its indestructibility. The material does not simply age – it matures. Weather is not an enemy here, but a creator that makes the surface more beautiful and characterful with each passing year. Despite its angular, almost defiant shape, the interior offers surprising comfort. It is a „real“ house in a small space that provides protection for its residents and signals to visitors: Here begins a place where individuality and eccentricity are welcome.
At this point, architecture becomes attitude. It Das Pförtnerhaus is a small guardian who teaches us that we don’t always have to stand upright to make a strong presence. A slate-like reception that perfectly fits the spirit of the Union: raw, honest and absolutely unmistakable.
The special thing about this „rusty gate“ is its indestructibility. The material does not simply age – it matures. Weather is not an enemy here, but a creator that makes the surface more beautiful and characterful with each passing year. Despite its angular, almost defiant shape, the interior offers surprising comfort. It is a „real“ house in a small space that provides protection for its residents and signals to visitors: Here begins a place where individuality and eccentricity are welcome.
At this point, architecture becomes attitude. It Das Pförtnerhaus is a small guardian who teaches us that we don’t always have to stand upright to make a strong presence. A slate-like reception that perfectly fits the spirit of the Union: raw, honest and absolutely unmistakable.
„Corten steel is like the material Union-Gelände itself: it doesn’t need polishing to shine in the right light.“
A Closer Look at the Work
Architects Alexandra Geiseler and Bernd Gergull have created a truly unique work here, which only becomes fully apparent upon closer inspection. The facade of corten steel is a living material: in the first months after its installation, it formed an independent protective oxide layer that now illuminates the building in a warm, deep earth tone. Especially when the sun shines directly on the metal skin, the house transforms into a radiant orange anchor point between the historic brick walls.
Photos: © Marie Hess
Ardi Goldman Kunst-
und Kulturstiftung gGmbH
Uniongelände
Hanauer Landstraße 188, 60314 Frankfurt am Main