After suffering fire damage in May 2010, the clubhouse of the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein on the banks of the Außenalster was to be renovated, modernised and extended. However, it turned out that a new building on the same site would be the most efficient solution. Being able to realise a new building at a prestigious and historic location on the banks of the Alster in Hamburg is both an honourable and demanding task. Several competitions were therefore announced, as a result of which the RFP-BDS planning consortium was commissioned.

While retaining the historically evolved cubature, a new building was created that balances modernity and tradition, acting as an intermediary between young and old Hanseatic residents. The significantly enlarged youth area of the ‘Alsterpiraten’, which is located in the large basement, is just one example of the successful interplay of generations in the new clubhouse. The newly developed, backlit ceiling grid allows established and initiated members to follow the structure and architectural history of the historic villa and creates a harmonious and welcoming ambience. The large, sophisticated dining area with the ‘red bar’ and the cosy fireplace room form the club's communication centre and impress with a magnificent view of the Alster and the city panorama. On the first floor, there is a ballroom with a large outdoor terrace that can be used flexibly thanks to mobile wall elements, which is also very popular with non-club members. The light-flooded administrative offices on the upper floor complete the spatial programme. A meeting room for the board of directors has been created in the attic, which offers an incomparable view of Hamburg and the Alster thanks to two large dormers. The catering kitchen is located next to service rooms, the extensive archives, the youth room and the boat workshop in the basement.

Since the basement is below the water level of the Alster and all the documents of the traditional club are to be stored in the archives located there, it was essential to protect it from water ingress. To ensure this, a tub made of waterproof concrete was created, which was also fully coated with a Tricosal film. This technique provides optimal protection for the records. The location below water level also required a special foundation. Sheet pile walls were erected and a sole made of underwater concrete was poured, which was secured against floating up with 14-metre-deep ground anchors. The clubhouse's exterior is characterised by its understated elegance. The large glass surfaces open up the club to the outside world, while the numerous wooden elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere. At the upper edges of the windows, the concrete façade curves into the embrasure, allowing an optimal incidence of light into the interior. For this purpose, 1.3 cm thick glass-fibre concrete was used, which harmonises well with the teak window frames. Durable teak was also used for the balustrades of the streamlined terrace railings, so that numerous future generations will be able to admire the sailing yachts from there.