Büro Korb GmbH

The “Das James” was opened in July 2020 as a 4 star plus hotel on an old naval base situated right on the Flensburg Fjord. The existing building from 1936/37 - protected as a historic monument - housed the torpedo school, which was already established on the site by the Imperial German Navy in 1903. It is part of an impressive architectural ensemble of naval and military structures in the style of Northern Germany's brick Gothic revival.

The elongated former torpedo hall, now used as a public area, with its brick facade and overlying room area, is symmetrically framed, on one side, by a slightly projecting part of the building for the guest rooms and, on the other side, by a higher part of the building (the former heating plant), now used for fine dining and as a conference area. It is complemented by a straight-lined brick building which is harmoniously linked to the historic structure. Its three inviting floors house the wellness area, with a spa for children and families, a diverse sauna world, fitness rooms, an “Oriental Hamam”, a beauty treatment area, and the rooftop pool.

The new city and holiday hotel offers a view of the seaside promenade, the “Marina Sonwik” yacht marina, the nationally known water houses and, finally, the Flensburg Fjord.

With its large “living hall” which comprises the lobby, lounge, bar and a restaurant, as well as the fifteen different types of rooms and a wide range of gastronomy, sport and wellness options, the hotel aims to attract a variety of guests from three generations. The interior, in all its facets, has been designed to provide a relaxed and casual atmosphere, one in which a guest can always discover new things, experience surprises, and enjoy an inspiring feeling for life. This is enabled by a harmonious overall concept that offers an eclectic use of style, considerable love of detail, and the interplay of apparent contradictions which are united by the interior design in harmony with the architecture: casual and formal, separate yet transparent, cosy but lively, historical yet contemporary.

Measuring about 20 x 40 meters, the large lobby is designed to serve as a colourful and amply furnished stage for hotel life. Surprising stylistic inconsistencies and variety provide a communicative atmosphere and a dynamic vitality. Parallel to this, a cosy atmosphere is created, with a fireplace, for example, a colourful mixture of casually arranged, comfortable upholstered seating and tables, colourful oriental rugs, wall lamps, chandeliers, etc.
Furthermore, the listed structure of the complex, with the remnants of its former purpose as a torpedo edifice, functions as a design engine. The relics from the past are more than simply a contrast to the inviting interior design. The concrete supporting beams, for example, as well as the former torpedo transport trolleys, below the approx. 4.5 meter high ceiling, also have a space-creating function. The display of old fuse boxes, water valves, pipe systems, and high voltage outlets complete the scene.
Curtains, platforms, and partially transparent or spaced walls divide the space so that it can be used for various purposes and create cosy niches offering some privacy. Just the same, with its spacious visual axes and many possible views, the hall can always be experienced as a single unit. An elaborate coordinated lighting further underscores the architectural setting.