Excerpt from the article by Tim Westphal in DETAIL 09/2008

“Set within a wider development plan for the infill development of the 'Maikäfersiedlung', a bright yellow mixed-use building stands on the corner of Echardinger Straße and Bad-Schachener-Straße. In 2001, the Munich-based architecture and urban planning firm zillerplus won the urban planning ideas and implementation competition for the revitalisation of the Maikäfersiedlung. Subsequently, they were also able to convince the GWG of their unconventional design for the mixed-use building on Bad-Schachener-Straße."

“As housing in Munich has been becoming increasingly scarce for years, the decision was made to redevelop the old housing estate on Bad-Schachener-Straße. This involves the demolition of the existing buildings in the Maikäfer estate, which date from the 1930s and through which part of the four-lane arterial road now runs.

Nestled within an overarching development plan for the redensification of the Maikäfer estate, a bright yellow residential and commercial building stands on the corner of Echardinger Straße and Bad-Schachener-Straße. In 2001, the Munich-based architecture and urban planning firm zillerplus won the urban planning ideas and implementation competition for the revitalisation of the Maikäfersiedlung. Subsequently, they were also able to convince the GWG of their unconventional design for the mixed-use building on Bad-Schachener-Straße."

"The elongated four-storey structure shields the buildings and open spaces behind it from the noise on Bad-Schachener-Straße, whilst the building’s seven-storey corner tower marks the entrance to the town from the east.

The historic buildings must make way, but this apparent loss also holds the potential for the new development. Contemporary, bespoke floor plans, ranging from 1.5- to 5-room flats, now create a new standard of living. The building’s integration into the mature trees and the park-like surroundings along Echardinger Straße also envelop the structure, making one almost forget that this is a new development."

"On the second floor, residents have access to a communal area of 42 m². The 6 m² storage rooms within each flat also demonstrate a keen understanding of flexible living.

The elongated four-storey building also houses the GWG offices, whilst the ground floor accommodates the new shopping centre for the Maikäfersiedlung. A central corridor provides access to the maisonette flats on the first and second floors. They have entrances on both levels, with an internal staircase connecting the living areas.

On the third floor, the building is fully habitable across its entire depth. An internal corridor facing the courtyard provides access to the atrium flats. Two occupants share each atrium, separated only by an opaque glass block wall. An unconventional solution, yet one that offers a clever alternative to traditional floor plans: despite the great depth of the spaces, the architects have created bright interiors centred around an almost contemplative core.

The balanced mix of privacy and semi-public spaces, of residential and commercial use, offers a glimpse into sustainable living.”

Award: Nomination for the BDA Prize Bavaria 2010