Just beyond Giesing, Munich's historic working-class district, lies Harlaching – an upscale residential quarter defined by colonies of detached homes and villas. The zoo, hospital, and Isar riverbanks represent just three of the area's defining attractions, making Harlaching highly coveted. Here, Munich architects Jacob & Spreng have designed a striking new residence that stands apart from its neighbours while remaining respectfully integrated into the streetscape. Its hallmarks are immediately apparent: a flat roof, wooden cladding, expansive rectangular windows, and a metal entrance portal. Yet this restrained exterior conceals something more – a generously proportioned interior and private garden that invite discovery. The ground floor operates as a flowing open plan, with entry, kitchen, dining, living, and workspace orbiting a freestanding cube. This wooden cube, stained a soft green, is deceptively clever: each face addresses a specific spatial need with near-invisible ingenuity. Facing the kitchen island, it provides space for a sideboard, appliances, and storage. Along the corridor side, built-in cabinetry, utility rooms, and an elevator line its perimeter. The interior design evolved through close collaboration with Thatenhorst Interior, who carefully orchestrated the colour palette and material selection. A straight staircase, punctuated by a roof skylight, ascends to the upper level – a realm of privacy housing the bedroom with its open dressing area, bathroom, and shower. Even the wine cellar, encased in glass on the lower level, feels warm and lived-in, transforming a functional space into an inviting retreat for special moments.

The true showpiece, however, is the rear facade: it unfolds corner-to-corner, and floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the interior with natural light. A timber terrace accommodates an integrated pool, offering both sun-soaked lounging and sheltered relaxation beneath a thoughtful canopy. This is the domain of dining, grilling, working, and leisure—all of which can seamlessly extend outdoors when weather permits. The design incorporates a forward-thinking flexibility: a staggered storey can be added whenever space demands arise, yet this future possibility remains entirely invisible today. Should expansion become necessary, it requires minimal structural intervention. Equally noteworthy is the comprehensive energy strategy, which combines an air-source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, and a controlled ventilation system with heat recovery—ensuring efficiency regardless of the elements.

www.jacobundspreng.de

Living space: 326 m²
Plot size: 770 m²
Construction time: 14 months
Construction method: solid construction
Energy concept: air heat pump + photovoltaic system

Photography Credits:

Jonathan Sage
www.jonathansage.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|24)