No Horses Here
Historic stable and barn beautifully restored and converted into a modern residence
Hidden away in a quiet courtyard in Munich's picturesque Dreimühlenviertel—right along the Isar—lies a true gem: an 1883 horse stable and barn transformed into an exceptional residence. Every step of the meticulous renovation was overseen by the local heritage authority. Felicia Specht and her FV2 Architektur team took on the ambitious task of not only reimagining the former stable, but also restoring the adjoining front building. The ground floor, which once housed a restaurant, now features an open-plan office and apartment, with additional residences added to the first floor.
What sets this sustainable heritage project apart is its reverent approach to preserving the original structure. After decades of vacancy, the brick stable required careful restoration. The distinctive two-tone masonry with timber half-timbering—unique to Munich and officially designated as a historic monument—needed expert attention. Using particle blasting techniques, craftsmen revealed the original brickwork and discovered the building had been mortared with red-colored joints. These were faithfully reproduced, long-sealed windows reopened, and new windows crafted to match surviving examples with period-appropriate muntins.
Inside, two original staircases—including their historic railings—were painstakingly restored. The oak flooring was carefully sanded back to reveal the original wood beneath, with missing sections replaced and the entire floor refinished. The ground level now houses two smaller apartments and one larger unit; the first floor contains two medium-sized apartments; and the attic, with its exposed timber roof structure, accommodates a generous 127 m² apartment. A new townhouse addition complements the historic core with a spacious two-story residence.
Unsealing and reviving the courtyard proved challenging, but the result speaks for itself: a verdant garden and attractive paved walkway now define the space. In total, 600 m² of new living space was created, breathing vibrant new life into an enchanting setting.
Photography Credits:
Jonathan Sage
www.jonathansage.de
(Published in CUBE Munich 01|21)
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