Like the San Riemo cooperative project that garnered significant acclaim, Freihampton—the newer residential development—represents an equally ambitious multi-family neighbourhood. Both projects live up to their evocative names, which reference their locations: San Riemo in Riem, Freihampton in Freiham. Both were developed by Kooperative Großstadt eG and both were selected through international open design competitions. Klumpe Architekten from Mannheim won first prize with their Freihampton concept. Completed in 2022, Freihampton is part of Freiham—Europe's largest new urban development, which has been expanding steadily over recent years.

Freihampton comprises two elongated residential buildings—ranging from three to five storeys—positioned at the corner of Otto-Meitinger-Straße and Marie-Luise-Jahn-Straße. At the entrance to the semi-public courtyard stands a single-storey community pavilion, designed to activate and inspire varied uses. This is where residents gather for celebrations, yoga evenings, and informal social meetings. The complex offers 45 apartments, with 35 dedicated to subsidised social housing. What sets Freihampton apart is its commitment to community-centred living. The design embraces innovative housing models, including a cluster apartment tailored for residents aged 60 and above. This communal spirit flows through every layer of the project—from the generous, welcoming building entrances to the garden rooms that thoughtfully link the stairwells with the inner courtyard. These transitional spaces accommodate mobility aids and prams while providing flexible room for residents to reimagine uses: laundry facilities, a fitness room, a bike repair workshop, a shared living room, and guest quarters have all emerged from residents' creative vision. The first floor hosts additional communal amenities including a co-working space and a rooftop terrace overlooking the three-storey east wing. Nearly 400 m² of shared space is open to the wider community. In total, 115 residents call Freihampton home, living across one- to five-room apartments, a seven-room shared flat, and the aforementioned cluster apartment. Inclusive living isn't just a concept here—it's embedded in the project's DNA, welcoming people of all ages and income levels. Beyond its social vision, Freihampton demonstrates exemplary sustainable construction practices. The design minimises concrete use, prioritising sand-lime brick—a recyclable material made from natural resources—and timber instead. The project achieves KfW55 energy efficiency standards, setting a benchmark for responsible residential development.

www.klumpe.org

Photography:
Fabio Burghardt

(Published in CUBE Munich 03|24)