Living Beneath Pitched Roofs
Maximizing Space Through Sophisticated Roof Design
Unterlandstättner Architects received a direct commission to design a two-storey roof addition atop an existing building in Munich's Maxvorstadt. When the architects were appointed, the roof's envelope had already been approved. However, the warehouse's new owner had other ideas about the initial floor plan layout. This prompted a complete redesign—and with it, a new structural framework for the roof itself. Undeterred, Unterlandstättner Architects not only refined the roof's complex geometry but created two distinct, liveable apartments with clear spatial logic. Remarkably, they accomplished the redesign, planning, approval, and construction in just 24 months.
The two-story roof structure enabled the creation of two residences—the smaller unit occupying the first attic floor. For the larger apartment, the entrance and private quarters are positioned on the first floor, while the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space spans the entire width of the house on the second floor. Together, these two levels provide a total of 256 m² of living space. Both units showcase contemporary finishes throughout, featuring fitted kitchens, bathrooms, and integrated living and dining zones. Custom built-in cabinetry and fireplaces grace each residence. The standout feature: both rental units now enjoy private roof terraces with sweeping views across the cityscape—a remarkable luxury within the dense urban fabric of Maxvorstadt.
Installing the oversized roof windows presented a precision challenge. Each measuring 1.75 by 2.15 metres, they required crane placement accurate to the millimetre. Yet the payoff is substantial: these expansive skylights flood the apartments with natural light and ventilation, effectively dissolving the boundary between indoors and out. The effect is visceral—you feel as though you're living under open sky. Throughout the project, the team prioritised sustainable practices to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact.
Photography:
Michael Heinrich
www.mhfa.de
(Published in CUBE Munich 02|25)
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