A deteriorating 1902 structure received a comprehensive makeover: upgraded to current energy standards, expanded with an additional storey, and completely renovated. The result? Exactly what the client envisioned—the neighbourhood's finest property. Munich-based architect Christian Sandweger and his firm arcs Architekten guided the project from concept through completion. The building sits in Neuhausen's mixed neighbourhood, nestled among older and newer structures in the triangle formed by Landshuter Allee, Dachauer Straße, and Dom-Pedro-Straße. Infrastructure here is minimal; it's primarily residential. The renovation transformed the structure from 16 residential units to 22, with the roof extension adding six new flats. A two-group daycare centre now occupies the entire ground floor. The once-plain corner building now features a carefully articulated façade with colour-accented segments. New white-painted steel balustrades with laser-cut patterns define the balconies, while additional units were introduced to both the courtyard and street-facing sides—meaningfully enhancing living quality. The historic stairwell was thoughtfully restored, with the banister design carried through the new addition. The new attic storey employs prefabricated timber-frame elements, with dormer windows and open galleries providing natural light. Throughout construction, sustainable, recyclable materials took priority; no harmful substances were used. Inside, a skilled carpenter integrated prefabricated galleries and stairs directly into the roof structure. Crucially, existing residents remained housed throughout the phased renovation—no evictions. The landlord moved tenants temporarily into completed units, allowing them to return to their upgraded homes. Rent increases remained modest. This ambitious undertaking unfolded during the pandemic, stretched by illness and workforce shortages. The energy strategy centred on district heating, complemented by comprehensive new insulation across basement ceilings, façades, and windows—achieving a remarkable 90% energy reduction. Upon completion, one unit was dedicated to Ukrainian refugee families.

www.arcs.de

Photography Credits:

Antje Hanebeck
www.antjehanebeck.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|23)