Twenty-five years on, the legendary Galeriahaus in Riem hosted a jubilee celebration bringing together its architects, residents, and prominent guests. Former Lord Mayor Christian Ude delivered a witty yet insightful address. When the airport relocated and exhibition halls rose in its place, this 1999 residential tower became a cornerstone of the new Riem district. Munich architect Karl-Heinz Röpke conceived the ingenious design. During an exclusive tour, he was repeatedly greeted by original residents – a testament to the building's enduring appeal. Generous developer Max Aicher made the project possible, retaining ownership until 2013, when GWG Stuttgart took over. The 200-metre-long structure comprises two facing blocks – one four storeys, one five – with a generous pedestrian "street" running between them. This central spine serves as the circulation spine, meeting place, and heart of the building. A glass canopy unifies the ensemble, while glazed façades on the south and north entrances flood the interior with natural light. Two soaring "sky ladders" and strategically positioned glass lifts – accessible from all entrances and side access points – connect residents to every level. What began as modest plantings in automated irrigation beds have evolved into flourishing trees, palms, and cascading hop vines, transforming the internal corridor into a verdant, 150-metre promenade. The complex houses 172 barrier-free apartments of varying sizes, accommodating roughly 500 residents. Each features a balcony – facing an intimate inner park to the east, or the streetscape to the west. The expansive 1,500 m² atrium operates without air conditioning, relying instead on hinged roof windows for ventilation and a clever heat-exchange system that channels warm exhaust air through the base, maintaining a consistently comfortable microclimate. Even then, the design embraced cost-efficient precast concrete construction, ecological materials, and integrated underfloor heating. The Galeriahaus redefined social housing – subsidised municipal housing designed to provide affordable, dignified homes for those who need them most. Its remarkably intelligent and meticulously refined design concept remains unmatched.

www.roepkearchitekten.de

Photography:
Johanna Saran,
Max Aicher,
Karl-Heinz Röpke

(Published in CUBE Munich 02|25)