Opened in January 2000, Gastwerk is Europe's first loft-style hotel. Built in a former municipal gasworks building, the name alludes to both the previous and present function of the property. "Gastwerk" meaning "guestwork" is Hamburg's first design hotel. North German style is embodied here with quiet places to read, write, relax by. Oversized chairs, light natural colors and soothing textures soften the industrial structure, giving its once purely functional form new life. 150 years ago, the building provided gas for street lamps in the West end of Hamburg. Today, natural light has been flooded in to give the hotel energy and vibrancy. Gastwerk has transformed an industrial monument into a creative center. A source of renewable energy for years to come.