The residential building at Kolbergerstraße 5 makes no loud statements—instead, it embodies understated elegance, true to the architectural vision of Pritzker Prize laureate Sir David Chipperfield. Designed for developer Euroboden in collaboration with his longtime partner Mark Randel—who has been leading his Berlin-based Studio Mark Randel for the past decade—this urban palace seamlessly honors the Wilhelmine-era character of its surroundings while completing the historic urban fabric envisioned by Munich's influential architect and planner Theodor Fischer.

The façade strikes a restrained chord—articulated solely through two distinct lime plasters, vertical pilaster strips, and slender horizontal bands of natural stone. The refined material palette and minimalist approach are unmistakable: oak entrance doors, seamlessly integrated modern casement windows with fine steel profiles, and bronze-cast balustrades all contribute to the building's distinguished character. Twelve residences of varying types—comprising two three-story townhouses, two penthouses, and eight apartments—share nearly 2,800 m² of living space. Visitors arrive through a two-story foyer that serves as the focal point, with the townhouses positioned to either side, extending from basement to second floor. Inside, the commitment to quality materials continues: floor-to-ceiling doors, handcrafted natural finishes such as oiled oak, bronzed railings and door handles, and bathtubs carved from substantial travertine blocks underscore the refined aesthetic. The penthouses, crowned beneath a hipped roof, represent the pinnacle—one ascending across two levels, connected by a monumental travertine staircase. To the southeast, toward Kolbergerstrasse, a intimate park unfolds. Westward, a short walk leads to the Isar river.

www.studiomarkrandel.com

Photography Credits:

Simon Menges
www.simonmenges.com

Mark Randel

Published in CUBE Munich 04|23